AIDS Certified Registered Nurse (ACRN) Certification Practice Exam

The normal ratio of CD4+ to CD8+ lymphocytes in a healthy individual is typically around 2:1. CD4+ T cells, also known as helper T cells, play a crucial role in the immune response by assisting other immune cells, while CD8+ T cells, known as cytotoxic T cells, are primarily involved in directly killing infected or cancerous cells. This ratio is significant because a balanced level of these two types of lymphocytes is essential for maintaining an effective immune response. A higher ratio indicates a robust helper response relative to the cytotoxic response, which is necessary for the coordination and regulation of immune activity. Deviations from this normal ratio can indicate various immunological conditions or responses to infections, making it a critical aspect of immune health assessment.