American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Practice Test

What is the primary role of lymphocytes in the immune system?

1. Destroy bacteria

2. Clear cellular debris

3. Destroy viruses

4. Enhance red blood cell production

The correct answer is: Destroy viruses

Lymphocytes play a crucial role in the immune system primarily through their function in targeting and destroying viruses. They are a type of white blood cell that is integral to the adaptive immune response. This means that lymphocytes not only recognize previously encountered pathogens but also adapt to effectively eliminate them upon re-exposure. Specifically, there are different subsets of lymphocytes, including T cells and B cells. T cells can directly attack and kill virus-infected cells, while B cells are responsible for producing antibodies that can neutralize viruses and prevent them from infecting more cells. This specialization allows lymphocytes to effectively manage viral infections, which are often more challenging to eradicate compared to bacterial infections. The other options describe important functions within the immune system but do not capture the primary role of lymphocytes. For example, while macrophages or other immune cells may clear cellular debris and destroy bacteria, lymphocytes are specifically tailored to combat viral pathogens. Enhancing red blood cell production is governed by erythropoietin and other factors, which are not directly related to lymphocyte function. Hence, lymphocytes are primarily recognized for their ability to destroy viruses and orchestrate a targeted immune response against viral infections.