Drug allergy

Study questions

Drug allergy Learning objectives: ‘‘Drug allergy’’ 1. 2. 3. 4.

To To To To

recognize the limitations of diagnostic testing in most patients with drug allergy. gain an understanding of the negative predictive value of penicillin skin testing. gain an understanding of duration, indications, and contraindications of procedures to induce drug tolerance. be able to differentiate the various drug-induced allergic reactions to aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Question 1. In evaluation of a patient with drug allergies, which of the following is generally the best tool to guide management? A. B. C. D.

skin testing in vitro tests detailed history Gell and Coombs classification

Question 2. Which of the following is true regarding penicillin allergy? A. B. C. D.

History is adequate for diagnosis. Skin testing has high negative predictive value. Cross-reactivity with cephalosporins is high. Resensitization is common.

J ALLERGY CLIN IMMUNOL

Question 3. Procedures to induce drug tolerance — A. B. C. D.

involve only IgE-mediated allergy. cause permanent drug tolerance. can take days to weeks to complete. are indicated for Stevens-Johnson syndrome reactions.

Question 4. A 30-year-old man has a history of shortness of breath, urticaria, and lightheadedness 30 minutes after ingesting ibuprofen. He most likely — A. B. C. D.

has asthma. has nasal polyposis. will react to celecoxib. will tolerate aspirin.

February 2010

S355