A newborn has been lethargic, is not nursing well, and is basically looking ill. Following lab tests, it has been found that the newborn has IgM present in his blood. How should the nurse interpret this finding?
A) All newborns have IgM in their blood so this is a normal finding.
B) IgM in the blood means the infant may be allergic to breast milk.
C) The presence of IgM suggests the infant has a current infection.
D) IgM is usually only found in saliva so the specimen must be contaminated.
Ans: C
Feedback:
IgM is the first immunoglobulin to appear in response to antigen and is the first antibody type made by a newborn. This is diagnostically useful because the presence of IgM suggests a current infection in the infant by a specific pathogen. IgE is involved in inflammation, allergic responses, and combating parasitic infections. It binds to mast cells and basophils. The binding of antigen to mast cell– or basophil-bound IgE triggers these cells to release histamine and other mediators important in inflammation and allergies. IgA is found in saliva and tears, and is a primary defense against infections in mucosal tissues.
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