A patient is seen in the emergency department after a bee sting caused bronchospasms and severe pruritis. The nurse understands that this type of hypersensitivity reaction is:
Explanation
• The patient is suffering from an anaphylactic reaction due to IgE mediated histamine release
• A type I hypersensitivity reaction is an immediate allergic reaction involving IgE. Examples include anaphylaxis, angioedema, allergic conjunctivitis, and hay fever
• A type II hypersensitivity reaction involves IgG and IgM bind to antigens, activating the complement pathway. This leads to cell lysis. Examples include ABO incompatibility, drug-induced hemolytic anemia, and goodpasture's syndrome
• A type III hypersensitivity reaction involves antigen-antibody complexes that are not adequately cleared, leading to an inflammatory response. Examples include lupus and post-steptococcal glomerulonephritis
• A type IV hypersensitivity reaction, also called a delayed hypersensitivity reaction, involves sensitized T-cells and takes several days to develop. Examples include contact dermatitis, transplant rejection, and multiple sclerosis