The nurse is providing care for a patient who has a respiratory infection. Because the infection is in the lung, the nurse expects which immunoglobulin level to be most elevated?

Question

1. Immunoglobulin D
2. Immunoglobulin E
3. Immunoglobulin A
4. Immunoglobulin M

Answer 1

3
Rationale 1: Immunoglobulins are produced in response to a primary or initial exposure to an antigen. Immunoglobulin D is present in small quantities in the blood.
Rationale 2: Immunoglobulins are produced in response to a primary or initial exposure to an antigen. Immunoglobulin E is the primary antibody in the allergic response.
Rationale 3: Immunoglobulin A is most commonly found in secretions; its major function is to protect the eyes, mouth, nose, gastrointestinal tract, and lungs from disease caused by viruses and bacteria. For the patient with a lung infection, this immunoglobulin level will most likely be the highest.
Rationale 4: Immunoglobulins are produced in response to a primary or initial exposure to an antigen. Immunoglobulin M is the first antibody produced in the primary immune response and is first produced during embryonic development. It may be elevated, but another immunoglobulin will be more elevated.