A patient asks the nurse to define hypersensitivity reaction. The nurse begins by telling the patient that a hypersensitivity reaction is also called:
antagonistic reaction
drug idiosyncracy
synergistic reaction
allergic reaction
The Correct Answer is D
A. Antagonistic reaction:
An antagonistic reaction refers to a response where one substance opposes the action of another substance. In the context of hypersensitivity reactions, this term does not accurately describe the immune system's response to an allergen. Hypersensitivity reactions involve an overreaction of the immune system to a harmless substance, rather than opposing actions between substances. Therefore, choice A is not the correct term to describe hypersensitivity reactions.
B. Drug idiosyncrasy:
Drug idiosyncrasy refers to an unusual or unexpected response to a medication that is not related to the known pharmacological properties of the drug or the patient's characteristics. While idiosyncratic drug reactions can sometimes involve immune-mediated mechanisms, they are not synonymous with hypersensitivity reactions. Hypersensitivity reactions specifically involve the immune system's exaggerated response to an allergen, which may or may not be a medication. Therefore, while drug idiosyncrasy may involve unpredictable reactions, it does not specifically address the immune-mediated nature of hypersensitivity reactions.
C. Synergistic reaction:
A synergistic reaction occurs when the combined effect of two substances is greater than the sum of their individual effects. In the context of hypersensitivity reactions, this term does not accurately describe the immune system's response to an allergen. Hypersensitivity reactions involve an exaggerated response of the immune system to an allergen, rather than a synergistic interaction between substances. Therefore, choice C is not the correct term to describe hypersensitivity reactions.
D. Allergic reaction:
An allergic reaction is the correct term to describe hypersensitivity reactions. Hypersensitivity reactions involve the immune system's exaggerated response to a harmless substance, known as an allergen. This response can manifest in various symptoms, ranging from mild to severe, depending on the individual's sensitivity and the nature of the allergen. Allergic reactions can affect different organ systems and can be triggered by a wide range of substances, including foods, medications, environmental allergens, and insect venom. Therefore, choice D accurately describes hypersensitivity reactions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Discoloration of body fluids:
Vancomycin can cause discoloration of body fluids, particularly urine, resulting in a brownish discoloration. However, this is not caused by histamine release.
B. Ototoxicity:
Ototoxicity refers to damage to the inner ear structures leading to hearing loss or balance problems. While vancomycin can cause ototoxicity, it is not specifically associated with histamine release.
C. Red-man syndrome
Red-man syndrome, also known as red-neck syndrome or red-person syndrome, is a hypersensitivity reaction characterized by flushing of the skin, particularly the upper body and face, resembling a "red man." This reaction is typically associated with the rapid infusion of vancomycin and is caused by the release of histamine from mast cells and basophils. It is not an allergic reaction but rather a non-immunologic response to vancomycin.
D. Nephrotoxicity:
Nephrotoxicity refers to kidney damage caused by certain medications or toxins. While vancomycin can cause nephrotoxicity, it is not specifically associated with histamine release.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Not affected:
This choice suggests that taking ciprofloxacin with antacids does not alter its absorption. However, this is not correct. When ciprofloxacin is taken with antacids containing certain ions (such as aluminum, magnesium, or calcium), the absorption of ciprofloxacin can indeed be affected due to the formation of insoluble complexes, leading to decreased absorption.
B. Delayed:
This choice implies that taking ciprofloxacin with antacids delays its absorption. While it's true that the interaction between ciprofloxacin and certain antacids can alter absorption, the main effect is not typically a delay in absorption but rather a decrease due to the formation of insoluble complexes. Therefore, while "delayed" may somewhat describe the effect, it doesn't fully capture the nature of the interaction.
C. Increased:
This choice suggests that taking ciprofloxacin with antacids increases its absorption. However, this is not accurate. Antacids containing aluminum, magnesium, or calcium can interfere with the absorption of ciprofloxacin by forming insoluble complexes with the drug, leading to decreased absorption rather than an increase.
D. Decreased:
This choice correctly identifies the effect of taking ciprofloxacin with antacids. When ciprofloxacin is taken concurrently with antacids containing aluminum, magnesium, or calcium, the absorption of ciprofloxacin is decreased. The ions in the antacids bind with ciprofloxacin in the gastrointestinal tract, forming insoluble complexes that are poorly absorbed, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the antibiotic.
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