Allergy & Asthma Flashcards

Which immunoglobulin class mediates Type I (immediate) hypersensitivity reactions such as allergic asthma and anaphylaxis?

Answer: IgE

IgE is the immunoglobulin responsible for Type I immediate hypersensitivity; it binds to FcεRI receptors on mast cells and basophils, triggering degranulation upon allergen crosslinking.

A patient with poorly controlled asthma has a total serum IgE of 450 IU/mL and weight of 80 kg. Which biologic is approved and dosed based on both IgE level and body weight?

Answer: Omalizumab

Omalizumab dosing is uniquely determined by both baseline serum IgE level and body weight using a dosing table.

Which occupational exposure is the most common cause of occupational asthma in the United States?

Answer: Isocyanates

Isocyanates, found in polyurethane foam, paints, and coatings, are the leading cause of occupational asthma in the US.

Peak flow monitoring in asthma management uses a traffic-light system. A reading in the 'red zone' (below 50% personal best) indicates:

Answer: Medical alert — use rescue bronchodilator and seek emergency care

A peak flow below 50% of personal best is a medical alert indicating a severe exacerbation requiring immediate bronchodilator use and emergency evaluation.

Which finding would differentiate vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) from asthma in a patient with refractory wheeze?

Answer: Variable extrathoracic obstruction on flow-volume loop

VCD shows a characteristic truncated inspiratory loop (variable extrathoracic obstruction) on flow-volume loop, whereas asthma affects the expiratory loop.

A patient on high-dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) complains of hoarseness and white patches in the oropharynx. What is the most likely complication and the appropriate action?

Answer: Oropharyngeal candidiasis — instruct patient to rinse mouth after each ICS use

Oropharyngeal candidiasis is a common local side effect of ICS; rinsing the mouth and gargling after each use prevents fungal overgrowth.

According to the NAECB scope of practice, which activity is within the role of the Certified Asthma Educator (CAE)?

Answer: Developing and delivering asthma self-management education plans

The CAE role is centered on developing individualized asthma action plans and delivering evidence-based self-management education to patients and caregivers.