EO is an 8-year-old girl with a history of asthma and allergy to bee stings. She has been brought to the clinic complaining of a throat infection.

EO is an 8-year-old girl with a history of asthma and allergy to bee stings. She has been brought to the clinic complaining of a throat infection. Her health care provider prescribes a course of penicillin to manage her current infection and cautions her parents to watch her closely for a reaction.

What type of reaction is the health care provider concerned about, and why?

Explain the role of IgE and mast cells in type I hypersensitivity reactions. Why might EO react adversely to the antibiotic with the first use?

What would you tell EO’s parents to look for when they are assessing for a reaction?

Discussion Prompt #2

Watch The Human Immune System: When It Turns Against the Body video series below. Given the complexities of treatment associated with HIV/AIDS, what elements do you think are important in an effective care plan for those with HIV/AIDS? Also, discuss the importance of balancing the risks and benefits of treatment options. What is the clinician’s role in assisting the family/patient with making treatment decisions? Lastly, identify and discuss one new thing that you learned about this disease.

  The Human Immune System: When It Turns Against the Body Series

1. Autoimmune disease overview7:17

2. HIV/AIDS overview3:24