A patient who has never experienced a reaction to a bee sting comes into the emergency department with intense edema and redness at the site of the sting. The nurse realizes that this patient is demonstrating which type of immune response?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient is demonstrating an immediate hypersensitivity reaction, which is mediated by IgE antibodies. IgE antibodies bind to allergens on the surface of mast cells, causing the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators. This leads to the development of edema and redness at the site of the sting.

A Patient Who Has Never Experienced a Reaction to a Bee