Question 1

Which of the following best distinguishes a primary immunodeficiency from a secondary immunodeficiency?

Accepted Answer

Primary immunodeficiencies are congenital and result from inborn errors affecting immune factors, whereas secondary immunodeficiencies are acquired later in life due to external factors.

Question 2

A patient with DiGeorge syndrome is most likely to experience which of the following immune system defects?

Accepted Answer

Impaired thymus development leading to defective cellular immune responses.

Question 3

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates a secondary immunodeficiency?

Accepted Answer

An adult who develops immunodeficiency after prolonged corticosteroid therapy for asthma.

Question 4

Why can cancer be considered a failure of the immune system?

Accepted Answer

Because the immune system fails to clear abnormal cells, allowing them to proliferate uncontrollably.

Question 5

Which of the following is a systemic autoimmune disorder?

Accepted Answer

Lupus

Question 6

A patient presents with joint pain, fatigue, and a rash. Laboratory tests reveal the presence of autoantibodies. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis process for this patient?

Accepted Answer

Diagnosis involves detecting self-reactive immune cells and/or autoantibodies, along with other hematological tests for inflammation and metabolic factors.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the hygiene hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

It proposes that decreased biodiversity of microbiota due to clean conditions and antibiotic use in developed countries increases the risk for autoimmune disorders and allergies.

Question 8

Which of the following is a key feature of Type I hypersensitivity reactions?

Accepted Answer

They are mediated by IgE antibodies and involve mast cell degranulation.

Question 9

A patient experiences anaphylactic shock after eating shellfish. Which of the following is the most appropriate immediate treatment?

Accepted Answer

Administration of epinephrine

Question 10

Desensitization immunotherapy for allergies works primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Shifting the immune response from IgE to IgG antibodies, which do not cause mast cell degranulation.

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why a person allergic to latex might also react to bananas and avocados?

Accepted Answer

Cross-reactivity due to shared antigenic features between latex and certain foods.

Question 12

Which of the following is a cytotoxic Type II hypersensitivity reaction?

Accepted Answer

Hemolytic transfusion reaction following incompatible blood transfusion

Question 13

A mother who is Rh-negative gives birth to an Rh-positive baby. In a subsequent pregnancy with another Rh-positive fetus, what is the risk if she is not treated with Rh(D) immunoglobulin?

Accepted Answer

Maternal IgG antibodies against Rh factor may cross the placenta and cause hemolytic disease of the newborn.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the mechanism of Type III hypersensitivity reactions?

Accepted Answer

IgG or IgM antibodies bind to soluble antigens, forming immune complexes that deposit in tissues and trigger inflammation.

Question 15

A patient develops a rash, fever, and joint pain three weeks after receiving antivenom. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Serum sickness, a Type III hypersensitivity reaction

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of a Type IV hypersensitivity reaction?

Accepted Answer

Tuberculin skin test (PPD test)

Question 17

Which type of transplant is least likely to be rejected by the recipient’s immune system?

Accepted Answer

Autograft

Question 18

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is most likely to occur after which type of transplant?

Accepted Answer

Bone marrow transplant

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why immunosuppressive therapy for autoimmune disorders can lead to secondary immunodeficiency?

Accepted Answer

Suppressing the immune response reduces the body’s ability to fight infections.

Immune System Disorders: Deficiencies, Autoimmunity, and Hypersensitivities

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