Final answer:
Victims of immunologic emergencies must be monitored closely due to the potential for rapid and life-threatening changes to their condition, such as shock from an allergic reaction or opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is critical to closely monitor and reassess a victim of an immunologic emergency because the patient may experience rapid and severe changes in their condition. For instance, during a strong immune response to an allergen, tissue swelling in the throat can threaten the airway, causing a person to be unable to breathe, which can lead to a drastic drop in blood pressure, known as shock. This condition can be quickly fatal due to inadequate oxygen delivery to vital organs. Similarly, individuals with compromised immune systems, due to conditions such as HIV or treatments like chemotherapy, are at higher risk of opportunistic infections due to the decline in CD4 helper T cells. Therefore, flow cytometry may be used to closely monitor helper T cell counts and adjust treatment accordingly.
Other systemic disorders, such as diabetes, malnutrition, and prolonged critical illnesses, can also weaken the immune system. In these cases, the person's ability to fight off infections deteriorates, leaving them vulnerable to a multitude of health complications. Moreover, certain diseases, like malignant yellow fever, can cause severe immunocompromise, leading to heightened susceptibility to secondary infections and potentially fatal outcomes.