Which type of leucocyte is associated with allergic reaction?

RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2023

Applied Physiology

Easy

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2023

Explanation

Eosinophils are a type of leukocyte that are specifically recruited to sites of allergic inflammation.
An increased number of eosinophils in the blood, a condition called eosinophilia, is a hallmark clinical finding in patients with allergic diseases like asthma and allergic rhinitis.
While other cells are involved, eosinophils play a key role in modulating the inflammatory cascade in allergic responses and defending against parasites.

Option A: Neutrophils are the primary responders to acute bacterial and fungal infections through phagocytosis, not allergic reactions.
Option C: While basophils are fundamentally involved in initiating allergic reactions by releasing histamine, the question asks which leukocyte is 'associated with' the reaction. Eosinophilia (an increased count of eosinophils) is the more prominent and diagnostically monitored feature of allergic states.
Option D: Monocytes are precursors to macrophages and are primarily involved in phagocytosis during chronic infections and tissue repair, not acute allergic responses.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain The roles of different types of leukocytes (white blood cells) in the body's immune and inflammatory responses as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the function of each leukocyte is crucial for interpreting a Complete Blood Count (CBC) with a differential. A high eosinophil count alerts the nurse and physician to a possible allergic reaction, parasitic infection, or certain skin disorders.
Nurses monitor the differential count to assess the effectiveness of treatments, such as steroids for asthma, which can lower eosinophil counts.
What if the patient's lab report showed a high neutrophil count instead? This would shift the clinical focus from an allergy towards investigating a potential bacterial infection, requiring different nursing assessments and interventions (e.g., monitoring for fever, preparing for antibiotic administration).

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'leucocyte' (white blood cell) and 'allergic reaction'.
This is a factual recall question that requires knowledge of the specific functions of different types of white blood cells.
Review the function of each option: Neutrophils (bacteria), Eosinophils (allergies, parasites), Basophils (histamine release in allergies), and Monocytes (chronic infections).
Recognize that both eosinophils and basophils are involved in allergies. Differentiate their primary roles: basophils initiate by releasing histamine, while an increased count of eosinophils (eosinophilia) is a characteristic feature of the allergic state.
Select the option that represents the most classic and diagnostically significant association, which is Eosinophils.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: The roles of different types of leukocytes (white blood cells) in the body's immune and inflammatory responses.
Stem keywords: leucocyte, allergic reaction
Lead-in keywords: Which type

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