Chapter 22: Allergic Reactions Flashcards
Which of the following is a characteristic of allergens in children?
A. Allergens only cause reactions when injected directly into the bloodstream
B. Allergens are only ingested and cannot be absorbed through the skin
C. Allergic reactions to foods such as nuts and seafood occur exclusively in adults
D. Common allergens in children include dust, mold, and plant pollens
D. Common allergens in children include dust, mold, and plant pollens
Rationale: Common allergens in children include dust, mold, and plant pollens, along with medications, animal dander, and certain foods like nuts and seafood. Allergens can enter the body via ingestion, injection, absorption, or inhalation.
Which of the following best defines an allergy?
A. A delayed immune response to an unknown irritant
B. A normal reaction to a substance that is harmless to most people
C. An abnormal immune reaction to an antigen referred to as an allergen
D. A localized skin irritation caused by direct contact with a chemical
C. An abnormal immune reaction to an antigen referred to as an allergen
Rationale: An allergy is an abnormal or altered immune reaction to an antigen, referred to as an allergen. These reactions can range from mild to life-threatening.
Which of the following are common allergens in children?
A. Animal dander
B. Penicillin
C. Mold
D. Beef
E. Egg white
A. Animal dander
B. Penicillin
C. Mold
E. Egg white
Rationale: Common allergens in children include animal dander, penicillin (a medication), mold, and certain foods such as egg whites. Beef is not commonly listed as an allergen.
Which type of allergic reaction is most likely to be life-threatening?
A. Contact dermatitis
B. Serum sickness
C. Anaphylaxis
D. Atopic disease
C. Anaphylaxis
Rationale: Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical intervention.
Which of the following best explains why some children develop allergies while others in the same family do not?
A. Allergies occur only in children who are exposed to allergens at birth
B. Genetic predisposition and environmental factors play a role in allergy development
C. Children who develop allergies lack normal immune system functioning
D. Siblings of allergic children are always at equal risk for the same allergens
B. Genetic predisposition and environmental factors play a role in allergy development
Rationale: Allergies may develop due to a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors, which explains why some children in a family are affected while others are not.
Which statement about allergic reactions is correct?
A. Allergic reactions result from antigen-antibody interactions
B. Allergic reactions only affect the skin
C. Allergic reactions occur exclusively due to ingested substances
D. Allergic reactions in children do not lead to systemic symptoms
A. Allergic reactions result from antigen-antibody interactions
Rationale: Allergic reactions result from antigen-antibody interactions and can manifest as localized or systemic symptoms, depending on the severity of the response.
Which routes can allergens use to enter the body? (SATA)
A. Injection
B. Absorption through intact skin
C. Inhalation
D. Intracellular osmosis
E. Ingestion
A. Injection
B. Absorption through intact skin
C. Inhalation
E. Ingestion
Rationale: Allergens can enter the body via injection, absorption through intact skin, inhalation, and ingestion. Intracellular osmosis is not a route for allergens to enter the body.
Which of the following best describes a Type I hypersensitivity reaction?
A. A reaction that occurs within seconds or minutes of exposure and may progress to anaphylaxis
B. A delayed reaction requiring 24 to 72 hours to develop
C. A reaction that peaks within 6 hours and is difficult to distinguish from Type II reactions
D. A response confined to specific tissues caused by bacterial antigens
A. A reaction that occurs within seconds or minutes of exposure and may progress to anaphylaxis
Rationale: Type I hypersensitivity reactions occur quickly (within seconds or minutes) and may progress to life-threatening anaphylaxis. These reactions are mediated by the release of chemical substances such as histamine.
Which of the following are common allergens in children? (SATA)
A. Plant pollens
B. Animal dander
C. Peanuts
D. Latex
E. Metals
A. Plant pollens
B. Animal dander
C. Peanuts
E. Metals
Rationale: Common allergens in children include plant pollens, animal dander, certain foods (like peanuts), and metals. Latex, while a potential allergen, is not specifically mentioned in the text as common in children.
What is the primary immune mechanism involved in allergic reactions?
A. Antigen-antibody interactions
B. Antigen-bacteria interactions
C. Release of cytokines by T-cells
D. Activation of clotting cascades
A. Antigen-antibody interactions
Rationale: Allergic reactions are primarily mediated by antigen-antibody interactions, which trigger immune responses such as histamine release and inflammation.
Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is characterized by a delayed response that develops over 24 to 72 hours?
A. Type I
B. Type II
C. Type III
D. Type IV
D. Type IV
Rationale: Type IV hypersensitivity reactions are delayed immune responses that take several hours to appear and require 24 to 72 hours to fully develop.
Which treatment is commonly used for managing skin allergies?
A. Intravenous steroids
B. Avoidance of allergens and topical steroids
C. Subcutaneous allergen desensitization
D. Oral antihistamines exclusively
B. Avoidance of allergens and topical steroids
Rationale: Skin allergies are managed by avoiding allergens, keeping the skin well-lubricated, and using topical steroids to reduce inflammation.
What is the recommended setting for administering allergen desensitization therapy?
A. At home under caregiver supervision
B. During a hospitalization for allergy evaluation
C. In a school setting under a nurse’s supervision
D. In a clinic with emergency resuscitation equipment available
C. In a clinic with emergency resuscitation equipment available
Rationale: Allergen desensitization therapy must be performed in a clinic or office with resuscitation equipment readily available due to the risk of severe allergic reactions.
Which laboratory and diagnostic tests are used to assess allergies? (SATA)
A. Serum testing
B. Pulmonary function studies
C. Radiography
D. Electrocardiogram (ECG)
E. Skin testing
A. Serum testing
B. Pulmonary function studies
C. Radiography
E. Skin testing
Rationale: Serum testing, pulmonary function studies, radiography, and skin testing are used to diagnose and assess allergies. ECG is not typically relevant to allergy assessments.
What is the role of oral antihistamines in allergy management?
A. Preventing the development of hypersensitivity reactions
B. Treating localized allergic reactions such as hives
C. Reducing the need for allergen avoidance measures
D. Preventing anaphylaxis during allergen exposure
B. Treating localized allergic reactions such as hives
Rationale: Oral antihistamines are commonly used to treat localized allergic reactions like hives by blocking histamine effects.
Which of the following allergens can enter the body through absorption via intact skin?
A. Plant pollens
B. Animal dander
C. Metals
D. Dust mites
C. Metals
Rationale: Metals can be absorbed through intact skin and cause allergic reactions.
Which factors are responsible for the symptoms seen in Type I hypersensitivity reactions? (SATA)
A. Histamine release
B. Cytokine activation
C. Activation of T-cells
D. Antigen-antibody interactions
E. Platelet aggregation
A. Histamine release
D. Antigen-antibody interactions
Rationale: Type I hypersensitivity symptoms are caused by histamine release and antigen-antibody interactions.
What is the typical timeframe for the peak of Type III hypersensitivity reactions?
A. 24 hours
B. 15 to 30 minutes
C. Within 6 hours
D. 72 hours
C. Within 6 hours
Rationale: Type III hypersensitivity reactions peak within 6 hours and may be difficult to distinguish from Type II reactions.
What is the recommended approach for managing a child with a known drug allergy?
A. Administer small doses of the drug to build tolerance
B. Substitution of a different drug
C. Avoidance of all medications
D. Use of high-dose oral antihistamines
B. Substitution of a different drug
Rationale: Substitution of a different drug is the preferred approach for managing a known drug allergy.
Which of the following is true about the first exposure to an allergen in a Type I reaction?
A. It causes an immediate reaction.
B. It leads to the formation of antibodies but no symptoms.
C. It prevents future allergic reactions to the same antigen.
D. It triggers delayed hypersensitivity reactions.
B. It leads to the formation of antibodies but no symptoms.
Rationale: The first exposure to an allergen results in the formation of antibodies, but symptoms do not occur until subsequent exposures.
What is a potential complication of severe anaphylaxis?
A. Dehydration
B. Fatigue
C. Fever
D. Respiratory failure
D. Respiratory failure
Rationale: Severe anaphylaxis can lead to life-threatening respiratory failure due to airway swelling and obstruction.
Which of the following are examples of allergens that may trigger anaphylaxis? (SATA)
A. Penicillin
B. Bee venom
C. Dust mites
D. Shellfish
E. Latex
A. Penicillin
B. Bee venom
D. Shellfish
E. Latex
Rationale: Penicillin, bee venom, shellfish, and latex are known to trigger anaphylaxis in sensitized individuals. Dust mites typically cause localized allergic reactions like rhinitis or asthma rather than anaphylaxis.
Which of the following is a characteristic finding in the respiratory system of children with allergies?
A. Conjunctivitis
B. Inspiratory stridor
C. Arthralgia
D. Angioedema
B. Inspiratory stridor
Rationale: Inspiratory stridor is a respiratory symptom caused by airway inflammation or obstruction, which can occur in allergic reactions. Conjunctivitis is an eye finding, arthralgia is a musculoskeletal finding, and angioedema is a skin finding.
Which gastrointestinal findings may be present in children with allergies? (SATA)
A. Diarrhea
B. Geographic tongue
C. Torticollis
D. Bloody stools
E. Vomiting
A. Diarrhea
B. Geographic tongue
D. Bloody stools
E. Vomiting
Rationale: Diarrhea, geographic tongue, bloody stools, and vomiting are characteristic gastrointestinal findings in children with allergies. Torticollis is a musculoskeletal finding.
