ANCC Medical-Surgical Nursing Exam Prep

Answer: C - T-cells are matured in the thymus gland. That is why they are called T-cells. They are also called lymphocytes and are very important players in the immune system.  Absence or underdevelopment of the thymus or related function results in increased susceptibility to viral, fungal, and bacterial infections (immunodeficiency).  This immunodeficiency needs to be managed carefully for surgical patients.