I
Immunoglobin E antibody
Also called: IgE antibody test, (IgE)
Basics the nurse needs to know
There are many sources of allergy in the home and environment that have the potential to cause an allergic response in sensitized individuals. Common allergens are foods, pollens, mold spores, dust mites, animal dander and proteins, insect bites, parasites, and particular medications (see box 4 on p. 59).
The radioallergosorbent test (RAST) method is no longer used, but the term RAST has continued in use as a general name for IgE antibody testing. To avoid confusion, the RAST colloquialism for IgE testing should be discontinued (Cox, Williams, Sicherer, 2008).
If additional testing is needed to identify specific allergens that cause a positive response in sensitized patients, the skin prick, intradermal injection, or patch test methods testing may be done. (See Allergy testing, p. 58 and Patch Test, Skin, p. 480).
Interfering factors
NURSING CARE
Pretest
Posttest
Influenza tests
Includes: Influenza A, Influenza B, H1N1
Basics the nurse needs to know
These viruses initially infect various animals, birds, or mammals, such as pigs or chickens. As the virus gradually adapts and mutates, it becomes transmissible to humans. Because humans have no resistance to the mutant strain, outbreaks occur quickly and spread in epidemic and pandemic patterns of illness.
The influenza virus has an envelope that surrounds the core genetic material. The envelope contains various H and N type antigens. As the RNA of the influenza A virus mutates, it changes the structure of the H and N antigens and a new strain of the virus occurs. The outbreak of the flu of 2009-2011 is a type A H1N1 influenza infection (Mahon, Lehman & Manuselis, 2011).
Interfering factors
NURSING CARE
Pretest
All nurses and employees who give patient care should be vaccinated before the start of every flu season. When flu is suspected, the nurse wears a mask and asks the patient to wear one also. The nurse monitors the vital signs including blood pressure, pulse, respirations, and temperature. The patient’s history and the results of the physical examination provide important information for the diagnosis. The results are recorded in the patient’s record.
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