What adverse reaction type occurs via a mechanism involving the immune system?

The correct choice highlights the unique characteristics of adverse drug reactions mediated by the immune system, commonly referred to as Type B reactions. These reactions are unpredictable and not dose-dependent, occurring as a result of an individual’s immune response to a medication. This immune-mediated response can range from mild allergic reactions, such as rash and urticaria, to more severe conditions, including anaphylaxis and organ-specific toxicity.

Type B reactions are particularly important for advanced practice nurse prescribers to recognize, as they can occur in previously healthy individuals and often require immediate intervention. Understanding this classification is crucial for the management of patients, especially when evaluating new medications or when patients express concerns about their reactions to treatments.

In contrast, Type A reactions typically involve predictable pharmacological effects that occur due to the drug’s known mechanism of action and usually can be mitigated by dose adjustments. Types C and D envelop other categories of adverse effects that may relate to cumulative effects or long-term consequences but do not involve immune-mediated mechanisms in the same capacity as Type B reactions.