An inherited tendency to develop allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema is called atopy.
Missing Word
atopy
Atopy is the genetic predisposition to make IgE against common environmental substances, which underlies many allergic disorders.
Category: Hypersensitivity Mechanisms
Question 2
A small molecule that is an incomplete antigen and provokes an immune response only after binding to a skin protein is a hapten.
Missing Word
hapten
A hapten is too small to trigger immunity alone; bound to a carrier protein it can sensitize T cells and cause contact dermatitis.
Category: Hypersensitivity Mechanisms
Question 3
When an allergen cross-links IgE on mast cells, the cells release their stored mediators in a process called degranulation.
Missing Word
degranulation
Degranulation is the rapid release of granule contents such as histamine, producing the immediate signs of an allergic reaction.
Category: Hypersensitivity Mechanisms
Question 4
Type II hypersensitivity, in which IgG or IgM antibodies bind antigens on a cell's surface and lead to that cell's destruction, is also called cytotoxic hypersensitivity.
Missing Word
cytotoxic
Cytotoxic means cell-destroying; in type II reactions, antibody-coated cells are removed by phagocytes or complement, as in autoimmune hemolytic anemia or immune thrombocytopenia.
Category: Hypersensitivity Mechanisms
Question 5
An enzyme stored mainly in mast cells, tryptase, can be measured in the blood after a suspected anaphylactic reaction to help confirm the diagnosis.
Missing Word
tryptase
Tryptase is released when mast cells degranulate, so an elevated level supports a diagnosis of anaphylaxis.
Category: Anaphylaxis and Angioedema
Question 6
Hereditary angioedema is driven by bradykinin, a mediator that builds up when the C1 inhibitor is lacking or faulty, so antihistamines do little to stop the swelling.
Missing Word
bradykinin
Bradykinin dilates vessels and makes them leaky; because hereditary angioedema is not histamine-driven, the nurse focuses on the airway and anticipates therapies aimed at the C1 inhibitor pathway.
Category: Anaphylaxis and Angioedema
Question 7
A patient with atopic dermatitis is taught to wear soft cotton clothing and to avoid wool, a rough animal fiber that irritates the skin and can trigger a flare.
Missing Word
wool
Wool and other rough fabrics are recognized triggers of atopic dermatitis, along with harsh soaps, sweating, stress and dry air. Smooth, breathable fabrics such as cotton reduce irritation and scratching.
Category: Allergic Skin Disorders
Question 8
Acute contact dermatitis often produces vesicles, small, thin-walled blisters filled with clear fluid, along with redness and itching.
Missing Word
vesicles
Vesicles are small fluid-filled sacs in the skin; they appear in acute contact dermatitis and can break and weep, so the nurse protects the skin from scratching and infection.
Category: Allergic Skin Disorders
Question 9
Raised, red, itchy wheals that come and go on the skin, commonly called hives, are known medically as urticaria.
Missing Word
urticaria
Urticaria is a type I skin reaction in which mast cells release histamine, producing transient edematous wheals.
Category: Allergic Skin Disorders
Question 10
The tiny skin flakes that cats and dogs shed, known as dander, carry potent allergens that trigger allergic rhinitis, so the patient is taught to keep pets out of the bedroom.
Missing Word
dander
Dander is shed skin from furry animals, and its proteins are a common year-round trigger of allergic rhinitis. Keeping pets out of the bedroom, along with frequent cleaning and air filtration, lowers exposure during sleep.
Category: Allergic Rhinitis
Question 11
A patient with atopic dermatitis reports intense itching across both inner elbows, a symptom the nurse documents as severe pruritus before planning ways to break the itch-scratch cycle.
Missing Word
pruritus
Pruritus is the medical term for itching; in atopic dermatitis it drives scratching that damages the skin barrier and invites infection, so relieving it with cool compresses, moisturizers and ordered antihistamines is a central goal.
Category: Allergic Skin Disorders
Question 12
Visitors to a patient with a latex allergy should not bring ordinary party balloons, which are made of latex; foil versions are a safe substitute.
Missing Word
balloons
Common rubber balloons release latex proteins into the air when handled or inflated, which can trigger a reaction. Foil balloons contain no latex, and a latex-safe environment includes checking items that visitors bring.
Category: Latex Allergy
Question 13
In sublingual immunotherapy, allergen extract is given as drops or tablets that dissolve under the tongue.
Missing Word
sublingual
Sublingual means under the tongue; this route builds tolerance with a lower risk of systemic reactions than injections.
Category: Allergic Rhinitis
Question 14
Red, dry, cracked hands caused by friction, harsh soaps and frequent washing rather than by an immune response signal irritant contact dermatitis, a reaction often confused with latex allergy.
Missing Word
irritant
Irritant contact dermatitis is direct damage to the outer skin layer with no immune involvement; it is not an allergy, but it must be told apart from delayed and immediate latex reactions.
Category: Latex Allergy
Question 15
Cornstarch powder inside gloves can carry rubber proteins into the air, where they are inhaled or settle on mucous membranes.
Missing Word
powder
Glove powder binds rubber proteins and spreads them through the air, which is why powder-free gloves reduced sensitization.
Category: Latex Allergy