"How the immune system protects us from harm"
Here is a practice test from the nursing center. Answers are posted in the comments.
http://www.nursingcenter.com/prodev/ce_article.asp?tid=502380

Antibodies in Humoral (body fluid) Response
IgG- (Gee I remember you the second time around) Memory
75- 76 % of circulating Igs
In all fluids
Crosses the placenta to fetus - passive immunity
Defends against bacteria and viruses

IgA- (Absent from the blood- surface defense)
15-20 % crculating Igs
On all external surfaces (mucus surfaces, tears, saliva, resp. tract, GI tract) =outside the body
Colostrum (pre milk for new born defense - passive immunity)
IgA deficiency is the most common cause of immune deficiency

IgM- (Macro- too big to leave the blood ; First antibody on the scene in first contact)
5-8 % of circulating Igs
Present at birth- newborn protection
circulates in the blood

IgD- ( Duh, I'm not too sure what this one does)
minute 1 %
On surface of B cells
Can be measured for a specific antigen
Not understood much

IgE- ( Emotional! - Hypersensitivity to allergens that is..)
Minute less than 1 %
Protects against parasitic infections
On mast cells and basophils
Allergic response


1.
Which of these cells does the immune system recognize as "nonself"?
a. stem cells
b. bacteria
c. lymphocytes

2.
Which condition is essential for normal immune system functioning?
a. cell mediation
b. tolerance
c. cell activation

3.
A patient who had a bee sting at age 15 and develops anaphylaxis after a bee sting at age 40 is an example of
a. reactivation.
b. memory.
c. amplification.

4.
Which disease is an example of tolerance gone awry?
a. osteoarthritis
b. gouty arthritis
c. rheumatoid arthritis

5.
Which process can strengthen T cells?
a. biologic amplification
b. antibody generation
c. phagocytosis

6.
Which of these cells assists B cells in the production of antibodies?
a. antigens
b. humoral cells
c. T cells

7.
Which antibody is positive in a patient with Epstein-Barr virus?
a. IgA
b. IgM
c. IgG

8.
Which symptom suggests complement protein deficiency?
a. chronic infections
b. loss of appetite
c. diminished peripheral pulses

9.
Which of these suggests a local skin hypersensitivity reaction?
a. edema
b. pallor
c. pain

10.
When assessing for evidence of hypersensitivity, examine the
a. pupils for reactivity.
b. conjunctiva for redness.
c. irises for visual acuity.

11.
Severe hypotension, tachycardia, and decreased level of consciousness suggest
a. anaphylaxis.
b. allergic asthma.
c. angioedema.

12.
A vaccine is an example of
a. acquired immunity.
b. humoral immunity.
c. cell-mediated immunity.

13.
Which organ localizes and prevents the spread of infection?
a. stomach
b. thymus gland
c. lymph nodes

14.
Which medication prophylactically blocks the action of histamine?
a. diphenhydramine
b. prednisone
c. zafirlukast

15.
A patient who has a history of anaphylaxis should
a. limit outdoor activities.
b. wear a medic alert bracelet.
c. keep skin well moisturized.

If this article and quiz helped you understand the immune response better, here are some more to try.

IMMUNE SYSTEM
http://deltarnstudents.blogspot.com/2005/09/n4-ch-13-medsurg-qs-on-immune.html
http://deltarnstudents.blogspot.com/2005/09/n4-ch-12-medsurg-qs-on-inflam-and.html
http://deltarnstudents.blogspot.com/2005/09/n4-test-immune-response-and.html
http://deltarnstudents.blogspot.com/2005/09/n4-test-autoimmunity.html http://deltarnstudents.blogspot.com/2005/09/n4-test-infecton-interventions.html