Question 1

Transfusion reactions are the result of antibody reaction to

Accepted Answer

Transfusion reactions occur when antibodies in the recipient's plasma react with antigens on the surface of the donor's red blood cells. The antigens are usually glycolipids and glycoproteins on the surface of the red blood cells. This reaction can cause a variety of symptoms, ranging from mild to life-threatening, depending on the severity of the reaction.

Question 2

A small amount of antigen is injected under the skin of a patient. After 30 minutes there is no apparent change at the injection site, but 36 hours later the patient reports that the area is red and swollen. This type of response is due to

Accepted Answer

Type IV hypersensitivity reactions are delayed hypersensitivity reactions that take approximately 24-48 hours to develop. The injection of a small amount of antigen under the skin of a patient is a common way to test for a delayed hypersensitivity reaction. The lack of an immediate reaction at the injection site and the appearance of swelling and redness 36 hours later suggest a delayed hypersensitivity reaction, indicating a type IV hypersensitivity reaction.

Question 3

The release of ________ during a type I hypersensitivity reaction contributes to swelling.

Accepted Answer

Histamine and leukotrienes are both released during a type I hypersensitivity reaction and contribute to swelling. Histamine increases vascular permeability and vasodilation, while leukotrienes promote inflammation and chemoattraction of immune cells. Both of these factors can contribute to swelling. Prostaglandins and proteases may also be released in a type I hypersensitivity reaction, but they do not have as direct of an impact on swelling as histamine and leukotrienes.

Question 4

A person identified as a universal recipient has ________ blood type.

Accepted Answer

A universal recipient has AB blood type, meaning they have both A and B antigens on their red blood cells and no antibodies in their plasma that would attack A or B antigens. This allows them to safely receive blood transfusions from donors with any blood type (A, B, AB, or O), making them a "universal recipient."

Question 5

Which of the following bind the constant region of IgE?

Accepted Answer

Eosinophils and mast cells both bind the constant region of IgE through their Fc receptors.

Question 6

Jess has A- blood type, has never received a blood transfusion, and never been pregnant. Antibodies against what blood antigens could be present in Jess' blood?

Accepted Answer

Since Jess has A- blood type, her body would naturally produce antibodies against B antigens, as these are not present in her blood type. She would not have antibodies against A antigens (since she has A blood type), Rh antigens (since she is Rh- and has never been pregnant or received a transfusion that could introduce Rh+ blood), or O antigens (since the O blood type signifies the absence of A and B antigens, not a distinct antigen itself).

Question 7

What is the function of the kinins released when mast cells degranulate?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the function of the kinins...

Question 8

Which of the following is a type of blood cell that undergoes degranulation in type I hypersensitivity reactions?

Accepted Answer

Basophils are a type of white blood cell that contain granules filled with histamine and other inflammatory mediators. During a type I hypersensitivity reaction (such as an allergy), basophils undergo degranulation, releasing these mediators and causing the allergic symptoms.

Question 9

Which of the following is an example of a type I hypersensitivity reaction?

Accepted Answer

Type I hypersensitivity reactions involve an immediate response mediated by IgE antibodies and mast cells. Watery eyes after exposure to animals is a common symptom of allergic reactions that occur via this mechanism.

Question 10

Which of the following statements concerning the Rh factor is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

Around 85% of humans are Rh positive, meaning they have the Rh antigen on their red blood cells. This is in contrast to ABO blood group antigens, which are present in nearly 100% of the population. Therefore, statements A, C, D, and E are incorrect.

Question 11

What is the cause of hemolytic disease of the newborn?

Accepted Answer

Hemolytic disease of the newborn is caused by the mother producing anti-Rh antibodies (also known as Rh sensitization) which can cross the placenta and attack the baby's Rh-positive red blood cells. This occurs when the mother is Rh-negative and the baby is Rh-positive, which can happen if the father is Rh-positive. This can lead to severe anemia and other complications for the newborn. Treatment with Rh immune globulin during and after pregnancy can prevent sensitization.

Question 12

Which of the following immunoglobulins is produced by plasma cells in response to an allergen?

Accepted Answer

IgE is the immunoglobulin that is produced by plasma cells in response to an allergen. It plays a key role in allergic reactions by binding to mast cells and triggering the release of histamine.

Question 13

A reaction to an allergen is a ________ hypersensitivity.

Accepted Answer

A reaction to an allergen is a type I hypersensitivity, which involves an exaggerated immune response mediated by IgE antibodies leading to the release of histamine and other mediators causing inflammation and symptoms such as itching, swelling, and breathing problems. Type II hypersensitivity involves antibody-mediated cell destruction, type III involves immune complex deposition, and type IV involves delayed-type cell-mediated hypersensitivity. Type V hypersensitivity is not a recognized category of hypersensitivity reactions.

Question 14

The non-leukocyte tissue cells known as ________ produce leukotrienes and prostaglandins in response to allergen binding.

Accepted Answer

Mast cells are non-leukocyte tissue cells that are involved in allergic reactions by producing leukotrienes and prostaglandins upon encountering allergens. Neutrophils, basophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes are all types of leukocytes or white blood cells.

Question 15

An accident victim receives a blood transfusion. Shortly thereafter, he begins to have difficulty breathing, develops a fever, and experiences nausea and vomiting. Which of the following is the most likely interpretation of these events?

Accepted Answer

The answer of An accident victim receives a blood transfusion....

Question 16

When mast cells degranulate and release histamine, which of the following events may occur?

Accepted Answer

When mast cells degranulate and release histamine, it can lead to bronchial spasms and increased mucus production. Histamine typically causes dilation of small blood vessels, not constriction, which is why the other options are not correct.

Question 17

Which of the following is both a hypersensitivity disorder and an autoimmune disorder?

Accepted Answer

Rheumatoid arthritis is both a hypersensitivity disorder (Type III) and an autoimmune disorder. It is characterized by chronic inflammation in the joints leading to destruction of cartilage and bone. The immune response is directed against self-antigens, particularly IgG, causing immune complex formation and subsequent tissue damage.

Question 18

When immune complexes in the blood become trapped in the kidneys the resulting disease is known as

Accepted Answer

When immune complexes become trapped in the kidneys, it can lead to glomerulonephritis, which is inflammation of the glomeruli in the kidneys. This can lead to damage of the kidney tissue and impaired kidney function. Autoimmunity refers to a situation where the body's own immune system attacks its own tissues. Hemolytic disease is a condition where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be produced. Urticaria refers to hives or a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. None of these conditions specifically involve the immune complexes becoming trapped in the kidneys.

Question 19

An agricultural worker experiences difficulty breathing which becomes progressively worse. Tests show inflammation and damage of the lung tissue, but IgE antibodies and granulocytes are in the normal ranges. With which disorder of the immune system are these signs and symptoms consistent?

Accepted Answer

The symptoms and test results described are consistent with type III (immune complex-mediated) hypersensitivity, which involves immune complex deposition that can lead to inflammation and tissue damage without the involvement of IgE antibodies or granulocytes.

Question 20

Which of the following could result in hemolytic disease of the newborn?

Accepted Answer

Hemolytic disease of the newborn can occur when an Rh-negative mother is sensitized to Rh-positive fetal blood during pregnancy or delivery. This can happen if the father is Rh-positive and the fetus inherits the Rh factor from the father. The mother's antibodies can cross the placenta and attack the fetal red blood cells, causing hemolysis and potentially leading to serious complications in the newborn.

Quiz 18: Immune Disorders