ATI LPN
Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017)
Chapter 37 : Assessment and Management of Patients With Allergic Disorders Questions
Question 1 of 5
An office worker takes a cupcake that contains peanut butter. He begins wheezing, with an inspiratory stridor and air hunger and the occupational health nurse is called to the office. The nurse should recognize that the worker is likely suffering from which type of hypersensitivity?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most severe form of a hypersensitivity reaction is anaphylaxis. An unanticipated severe allergic reaction that is often explosive in onset, anaphylaxis is characterized by edema in many tissues, including the larynx, and is often accompanied by hypotension, bronchospasm, and cardiovascular collapse in severe cases. Type II, or cytotoxic, hypersensitivity occurs when the system mistakenly identifies a normal constituent of the body as foreign. Immune complex (type III) hypersensitivity involves immune complexes formed when antigens bind to antibodies. Type III is associated with systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, certain types of nephritis, and bacterial endocarditis. Delayed-type (type IV), also known as cellular hypersensitivity, occurs 24 to 72 hours after exposure to an allergen.
Question 2 of 5
A patient is learning about his new diagnosis of asthma with the asthma nurse. What medication has the ability to prevent the onset of acute asthma exacerbations?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Many manifestations of inflammation can be attributed in part to leukotrienes. Medications categorized as leukotriene antagonists or modifiers such as montelukast (Singulair) block the synthesis or action of leukotrienes and prevent signs and symptoms associated with asthma. Diphenhydramine prevents histamines effect on smooth muscle. Albuterol sulfate relaxes smooth muscle during an asthma attack. Epinephrine relaxes bronchial smooth muscle but is not used on a preventative basis.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is preparing a patient for allergy skin testing. Which of the following precautionary steps is most important for the nurse to follow?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Emergency equipment must be readily available during testing to treat anaphylaxis. Immunizations do not contraindicate testing. Neither epinephrine nor albuterol is given prior to testing.
Question 4 of 5
A patient who is scheduled for a skin test informs the nurse that he has been taking corticosteroids to help control his allergy symptoms. What nursing intervention should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Corticosteroids and antihistamines, including over-the-counter allergy medications, suppress skin test reactivity and should be stopped 48 to 96 hours before testing, depending on the duration of their activity. Emergency equipment must be at hand during allergy testing, but the test would be postponed.
Question 5 of 5
A patient has developed severe contact dermatitis with burning, itching, cracking, and peeling of the skin on her hands. What should the nurse teach the patient to do?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Powdered latex gloves can cause contact dermatitis. Skin should be kept well-hydrated and should be washed with mild soap. Maintaining room temperature at 75 F to 80 F is not necessary.