Which form of hypersensitivity reaction is characterized by antigen-antibody reactions on the cell membrane with activation of complement and destruction of the involved cell?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) type II hypersensitivity. Type II hypersensitivity reactions are characterized by antigen-antibody reactions on the cell membrane, leading to the activation of complement and subsequent destruction of the targeted cell. This process involves antibodies binding to antigens on the cell surface, which triggers complement activation and cell lysis. Option A) type I hypersensitivity involves IgE-mediated reactions, leading to the release of histamine and other mediators from mast cells and basophils, causing allergic symptoms like hives and anaphylaxis. This type of reaction is not associated with complement activation and cell destruction as described in the question. Option C) type III hypersensitivity involves immune complex-mediated reactions where antigen-antibody complexes deposit in tissues, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. This process does not directly involve complement activation on cell membranes resulting in cell destruction. Option D) type IV hypersensitivity is a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction mediated by T cells, not antibodies. It involves a delayed response to antigens and is more commonly associated with conditions like contact dermatitis and certain autoimmune diseases, which do not directly involve complement activation and cell destruction. In an educational context, understanding the different types of hypersensitivity reactions is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially pediatric clinical nurse specialists, in assessing and managing various immune-mediated conditions in pediatric patients. Recognizing the specific characteristics of each type of hypersensitivity reaction is essential for accurate diagnosis, treatment, and patient care.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Serum sickness is a type III hypersensitivity reaction caused by the formation of immune complexes in response to certain medications or foreign proteins. In this case, aspirin (Option D) is not a common cause of serum sickness. Aspirin is more commonly associated with hypersensitivity reactions like aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) or aspirin-induced urticaria/angioedema. Penicillin (Option A), cephalosporins (Option B), and sulfonamides (Option C) are common causes of serum sickness due to their ability to induce immune complex formation in susceptible individuals. These medications are known to trigger an immune response leading to symptoms like fever, rash, joint pain, and lymphadenopathy characteristic of serum sickness. Educationally, understanding the common causes of serum sickness is crucial for pediatric clinical nurse specialists to accurately assess and manage patients experiencing hypersensitivity reactions to medications. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of serum sickness and identifying the causative agents can guide appropriate treatment interventions and prevent further complications in pediatric patients.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) Food handlers. Latex allergy is commonly found in healthcare workers who frequently use latex gloves, spina bifida patients who have undergone multiple surgeries with latex-containing materials, and atopic individuals who have a predisposition to allergic reactions. Food handlers are not typically exposed to latex in their daily tasks, making it an uncommon cause of latex allergy. In an educational context, understanding the common causes of latex allergy is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialists who work closely with vulnerable populations like children with spina bifida. By knowing the common sources of latex exposure, these nurses can take necessary precautions to prevent allergic reactions in their patients and themselves. This knowledge also highlights the importance of using latex-free alternatives in healthcare settings to ensure patient safety and prevent occupational health risks.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Respiratory acidosis, partially compensated. In this scenario, the patient presents with respiratory distress, crackles, wheezes, tachycardia, and a bounding pulse, all indicative of respiratory distress. The arterial blood gas results show a low pH (acidosis) along with an elevated PaCO2 (respiratory component) and a slightly elevated HCO3 (metabolic component) indicating partial compensation. Option A) Respiratory acidosis, uncompensated is incorrect because there is some compensatory mechanism happening as indicated by the elevated HCO3 level. Option C) Metabolic acidosis, partially uncompensated is incorrect as the primary issue is respiratory acidosis due to inadequate ventilation. Option D) Metabolic alkalosis, uncompensated is incorrect as there is no indication of metabolic alkalosis in the arterial blood gas results. From an educational standpoint, understanding how to interpret arterial blood gas results is crucial in pediatric nursing, especially in cases of respiratory distress like asthma exacerbation. Recognizing the primary acid-base imbalance and the compensatory mechanisms at play is essential for appropriate management and treatment decisions.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The main diagnostic sign of cardiac arrest is the absence of a central pulse, making option C the correct answer. Central pulses are typically assessed at major pulse points closer to the heart, such as the carotid or femoral arteries. In cardiac arrest, the heart is no longer effectively pumping blood, leading to the absence of a central pulse. Option A, apnea, refers to the absence of breathing and is not the main diagnostic sign of cardiac arrest. While respiratory arrest often accompanies cardiac arrest, it is not the primary indicator. Option B, shock, is a state of circulatory failure leading to inadequate tissue perfusion, but it is not a specific diagnostic sign of cardiac arrest. Option D, absence of peripheral pulse, may occur in cardiac arrest, but the absence of a central pulse is a more reliable indicator of this critical condition. In an educational context, understanding the key diagnostic signs of cardiac arrest is crucial for healthcare providers, especially pediatric clinical nurse specialists. Recognizing cardiac arrest promptly and initiating appropriate interventions can significantly impact patient outcomes. It is essential for nurses to be well-versed in these clinical indicators to provide timely and effective care to pediatric patients experiencing cardiac emergencies.