Immune System

Question 1

What is hyper sensitivity?

Answer 1

abnormal or excessive immune response to a stimulus/foreign body

Question 2

For Type One reaction, what does the antigen do to the body on the first exposure?

Answer 2

Antigen initially stimulates production of IgE antibodies

Then IgE antibodies bind to surface membranes of mast cells and basophiles

Question 3

What is the patho of the Type One, 2nd exposure?

Answer 3

Allergen links with IgE antibody attached in Mast cells/ basophils-
–>This then triggers degranulation of cells and then release of chemical mediators from granules in these cells.

The chemical mediators attack target organs:
ie: Skin— uticaria, atopic dermatitis

Question 4

Type One, second exposure; less severe vs. severe

Answer 4

Less severe: 
-allergic rhinitis 
-asthma 
Severe: 
anaphylaxis

Question 5

What is allergic rhinitis?

Answer 5

Hay fever, seasonal allergic rhinitis
Type 1 hypersensitivity
Reaction of nasal mucosa to specific antigen with production of IgE
Nasal mucosa becomes thickened with edema, decreased ciliary function, vasodilation, increased capill perm.
Histamine, prostaglandins, leukotrienes are major chemical mediators

Question 6

Signs and Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis

Answer 6

sneezing, watery, itchy eyes and nose
nasal congestion/prob. with smell
itching of throat, altered taste
dry irritating cough, hoarseness
headache, sinus pain, epistaxis
sore throat, clogged ears, decrease smell
puffiness under eye, fatigue, irritability
can cause: sleep disturbances and snoring

Question 7

Diagnoses of Allergic Rhinitis

Answer 7

History and physical
Serum IgE
Eosinophil counts
skin tests (allergist)

Question 8

Management of Allergic Rhinitis

Answer 8

Avoid triggers: such as house dust, pollen, mold, smoke, pet allergen

Encourage hygiene
Educate about medications they are one like benadryl that makes the pt drowsy

Question 9

Antihistamines
MOA
S/E

Answer 9

Best Used for urticarial, sneezing, excessive secretions, and mild congestion

MOA: H1 rhinitis, blocks histamine binding

Side effects: sedation/drowsiness

Question 10

What are corticosteroids do and what are examples?

Answer 10

Anti inflammatory

Flonase, Nasacort

Question 11

What do Leukotriene Modifiers do?

and example

Answer 11

block synthesis of leukotriene’s
Long term use
SE: mild
example: Singular

Question 12

What does Immunotherapy do?

Answer 12

Allergen desensitation

Treats IgE mediated disease by injection of allergen extracts

Question 13

Allergic rhinitis is most often induced by:

A. Airborne pollens
B. Ingested foods
C. Parenteral medications
D. topical irritants

Answer 13

A. Airborne pollens

Question 14

A major side effect of antihistamines is:

A. dryness of mouth
B. anorexia
C. palpitations
D. dizziness

Answer 14

D. dizziness

Question 15

If a pt. is experiencing an allergic reaction, the nurse should initially assess for: 
A. Hypotension and bradycardia 
B. Presence and location of pruritus 
C. Dyspnea and bronchospasm 
D. Cutaneous warmth and flushing

Answer 15

C. Dyspnea and bronchospasm

Question 16

What is asthma?

Answer 16

2nd exposure, less severe
Chronic inflammatory disease of the airways.
Mucosal edema
Mucus production

Intermittent and reversible

Question 17

Pathophysiology of asthma

Answer 17

Reversible and diffuse airway inflammation
Airway narrowing
Exposure to trigger\allergens
Mast cells release chemical mediators— increase inflame. response