The nurse is explaining the difference between active and passive immunity to the student nurse. Which statement accurately describes a characteristic of the process of immunity?

A. Active immunity is produced when the immunoglobulins of one person are transferred to another: This describes passive immunity, not active immunity. Active immunity occurs when an individual’s own immune system is stimulated to produce antibodies and memory cells in response to an antigen or vaccine. B. Passive immunity can be obtained by injection of exogenous immunoglobulins: Passive immunity involves the direct transfer of antibodies from another source, such as pooled immunoglobulin injections, maternal antibodies via placenta, or breast milk. It provides immediate but temporary protection without generating memory cells. C. Active immunity can be transferred from mothers to infants via colostrum or the placenta: Maternal antibody transfer to the fetus or newborn is a form of passive immunity, as the infant receives ready-made antibodies rather than producing them independently. D. Passive immunity is acquired when a person's own immune system generates the immune response: This describes active immunity, not passive. Passive immunity bypasses the individual’s immune system, providing immediate defense without stimulating long-term adaptive immunity.