NAECB Allergy & Asthma 5

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

IgE

Answer

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.

Question 2

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?

Accepted Answer

Omalizumab

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Isocyanates

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Medical alert — use rescue bronchodilator and seek emergency care

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Variable extrathoracic obstruction on flow-volume loop

Answer

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

NAECB Exam Practice Test

NAECB Exam Practice Test

NAECB Allergy & Asthma 5