hypersensitivities and autoimmune disorders Flashcards
(15 cards)
Which hypersensitivity type results in organ/tissue transplant rejection?
type IV hypersensitivity
You are a clinician working at a local family practice clinic. Nevaeh, a 34-year-old woman, has visited the clinic three times in the past 3 months with a variety of complaints. After researching her symptoms online, Nevaeh has come to the conclusion that she has an autoimmune disease.
As you take Nevaeh’s recent health history, she makes several comments about what she has read online. Which statement from Nevaeh about autoimmune diseases is true?
certain autoimmune diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis, are more common in women
Some autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are more common in women. A genetic predisposition does exist for some, but not all, autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases may be systemic or organ specific, and some have very specific diagnostic tests and criteria.
With all her research, Nevaeh thinks she may have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). You listen to Nevaeh describe her signs and symptoms. Which of the following would be supportive of Nevaeh’s potential self-diagnosis? Select all that apply.
-in cold weather, her fingers turn white and cold if she isn’t wearing gloves
-she develops a rash when outside in the summer
-she has lost weight, stating it may be that she struggles to eat as she has several sores in her mouth
-she is suffering more fatigue than normal and also feels she is losing her hair
Raynaud’s phenomenon, cold and white fingers, may accompany SLE. Weight loss, fatigue, and hair loss are common signs and symptoms of SLE. Sores in the mouth may also develop. With sun exposure, some individuals may develop a rash. Dry eyes and mouth are associated with Sjogren’s syndrome, not SLE.
Which sign found during Nevaeh’s examination would support the diagnosis of SLE?
butterfly-shaped rash on cheeks
Nevaeh continues providing her health history, including that she is severely allergic to pollen. Which type of hypersensitivity does this represent?
Type I
Type I hypersensitivities are commonly known as “allergens.”
Nevaeh also tells you that she just recently developed a “horrible, disgusting” rash, which may be from accidentally touching some poison ivy while weeding her garden. Nevaeh states she thought she was fine because she didn’t see a rash, but 2 days later she began to itch and found a rash had formed. What type of hypersensitivity does Nevaeh’s rash represent?
Type IV
Type IV hypersensitivities, which are T-cell mediated, are considered “delayed hypersensitivities” because they develop days after exposure.
Nevaeh wants to know which test you will order her to diagnose SLE. Which of the following is the correct response?
a single laboratory test does not exist at this time to diagnose SLE
No single laboratory test can diagnose SLE, but several laboratory tests may support the diagnosis. Diagnostic criteria for do SLE exist. Chest x-ray, skin biopsy, and sputum sample are not typically involved in SLE diagnostic assessment.
To obtain more definitive information about Nevaeh’s health, what laboratory tests would you expect to be ordered to help with the diagnosis of SLE? Select all that apply.
-ANA elevation
-CRP elevation
-ESR
-Anti-dsDNA
RF stands for rheumatoid factor and does not help with SLE diagnosis. Although there is no single diagnostic test for SLE, elevated antinuclear antibody (ANA), C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and anti-dsDNA, all point to SLE.
During the consultation, Nevaeh continually rubs her eyes. She says that her eyes are constantly dry and irritated, and that she has problems swallowing. She asks you if these are signs of SLE. Which condition do you tell her is associated with dry eyes and mouth?
Sjogren’s syndrome
If Nevaeh is diagnosed with SLE, which of the following are possible treatment options? Select all that apply.
-NSAIDs
-hydroxychloroquine
-belimumab
NSAIDs, hydroxychloroquine, and belimumab are all common treatment options for SLE. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. If Nevaeh does have Sjogren’s syndrome, ophthalmic solutions may help, but these are not standard treatments for SLE.
Which is an example of a type I hypersensitivity reaction that may become life threatening?
anaphylaxis
Which of the following is NOT an autoimmune condition?
type I hypersensitivity
Which type of hypersensitivity presents as a “delayed” reaction, such as seen with poison ivy?
type IV hypersensitivity
Which of the following statements is incorrect?
Men are more commonly affected by autoimmune diseases than women.
Which condition features the accumulation of fibrous tissue in the skin?
scleroderma
