Questions and CORRECT Answers
Some older adults have impaired inflammation and wound healing because of which problem?
Circulatory system cannot adequately perfuse tissues.
Complement and chemotaxis are deficient.
Underlying chronic illness(es) exists.
Number of mast cells is insufficient. - CORRECT ANSWER - ANS: C
In some cases, impaired healing is not directly associated with aging, in general, but can instead
be linked to a chronic illness such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes mellitus. Older adults
may have circulatory problems, but that would not lead directly to impaired inflammation and
wound healing. Older people do not have deficient complement and chemotaxis, nor do they
have insufficient mast cell numbers.
In which structure does B lymphocytes mature and undergo changes that commit them to
becoming B cells?
Thymus gland
Regional lymph nodes
Bone marrow
Spleen - CORRECT ANSWER - ANS: C
B lymphocytes mature and become B cells in specialized (primary) lymphoid organs—the
thymus gland for T cells and the bone marrow for B cells. Neither regional lymph nodes nor the
spleen are involved in changing B lymphocytes into B cells.
An individual's acquired immunity is dependent on the function of which cells? (Select all that
apply.)
T lymphocytes
B lymphocytes
Macrophages
Opsonins
,Neutrophils - CORRECT ANSWER - ANS: A, B, C
T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells are involved in acquired
immunity. Opsonins are molecules that tag microorganisms for destruction by cells of the
inflammatory system; these cells are primarily neutrophils. Neutrophils are white blood cells.
The common hay fever allergy is expressed through a reaction that is mediated by which class of
immunoglobulins?
IgE
IgG
IgM
T cells - CORRECT ANSWER - ANS: A
Type I reactions are mediated by antigen-specific IgE and the products of tissue mast cells. The
most common allergies (e.g., pollen allergies) are type I reactions. In addition, most type I
reactions occur against environmental antigens and are therefore allergic. Hay fever allergy is not
mediated by IgG, IgM, or T cells.
During an IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction, which leukocyte is activated?
a. Neutrophils
b. Monocytes
c. Eosinophils
d. T lymphocytes - CORRECT ANSWER - ANS: C
Of the options provided, only eosinophils are activated during IgE-mediated hypersensitivity
reactions.
During an IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction, what causes bronchospasm?
a. Bronchial edema caused by the chemotactic factor of anaphylaxis
b. Bronchial edema caused by binding of the cytotropic antibody
c. Smooth muscle contraction caused by histamine bound to H1 receptors
d. Smooth muscle contraction caused by histamine bound to H2 receptors - CORRECT
ANSWER - ANS: C
,During an IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction, smooth muscle contraction caused by
histamine bound to H1 receptors results in bronchospasms. The bronchospasm is not caused by
edema or by histamine binding to H2 receptors.
A patient is having an IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction. What action by the healthcare
professional is best?
a. Give the patient an antihistamine.
b. Prepare to give the patient a blood transfusion.
c. Ask the patient is he/she is having pain at the site.
d. Apply warm, moist heat to the affected area. - CORRECT ANSWER - ANS: A
Histamine is the most potent mediator in an IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction (Type 1).
Histamine bound to H2 results in the degranulation of mast cells with the release of histamine.
Blocking histamine receptors with antihistamines can control some type I responses. The
healthcare professional would not need to give the patient blood; warm; moist heat; or ask about
pain.
A student asks about the mechanism that results in type II hypersensitivity reactions. What
description by the professor is best?
a. Antibodies coat mast cells by binding to receptors that signal its degranulation,
followed by a discharge of preformed mediators.
b. Antibodies bind to soluble antigens that were released into body fluids, and the
immune complexes are then deposited in the tissues.
c. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes or lymphokine-producing helper T 1 cells directly attack
and destroy cellular targets.
d. Antibodies bind to the antigens on the cell surface. - CORRECT ANSWER - ANS: D
The mechanism that results in a type II hypersensitivity reaction begins with antibody binding to
tissue-specific antigens or antigens that have attached to particular tissues. The cell can be
destroyed by antibody IgG or IgM and activation of the complement cascade through the
classical pathway.
How are target cells destroyed in a type II hypersensitivity reaction?
a. Tissue damage from mast cell degranulation
, b. Antigen-antibody complexes deposited in vessel walls
c. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes attack the cell directly.
d. Natural killer cells - CORRECT ANSWER - ANS: D
The mechanism that results in a type II hypersensitivity reaction involves a subpopulation of
cytotoxic cells that are not antigen specific (natural killer [NK] cells). Antibody on the target cell
is recognized by Fc receptors on the NK cells, which releases toxic substances that destroy the
target cell. Tissue damage from mast cell degranulation occurs in type I hypersensitivity
reactions. Antigen-antibody complexes are active in type III hypersensitivity responses.
Cytotoxic lymphocytes are involved in type IV hypersensitivity responses.
Graves disease (hyperthyroidism) is an example of which type II hypersensitivity reaction?
a. Modulation
b. Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity
c. Neutrophil-mediated damage
d. Complement-mediated lysis - CORRECT ANSWER - ANS: A
The antibody reacts with the receptors on the target cell surface and modulates the function of
the receptor by preventing interactions with their normal ligands, replacing the ligand and
inappropriately stimulating the receptor or destroying the receptor. For example, in the
hyperthyroidism (excessive thyroid activity) of Graves disease, autoantibody binds to and
activates receptors for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) (a pituitary hormone that controls the
production of the hormone thyroxine by the thyroid). Graves disease is not a result of cell-
mediated cytotoxicity, neutrophil-mediated damage, or complement-mediated lysis.
Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is associated with which type of hypersensitivity reaction? a. I
b. II c. III d. IV - CORRECT ANSWER - ANS: A
Hypersensitivity reactions have been divided into four distinct types: type I (IgE-mediated)
hypersensitivity reactions, type II (tissue-specific) hypersensitivity reactions, type III (immune
complex-mediated) hypersensitivity reactions, and type IV (cell-mediated) hypersensitivity
reactions.
A Rh-negative woman gave birth to a Rh-positive baby. When discussing Rho[D]
immunoglobulin with her, what information should the healthcare professional provide?