Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following MOST accurately defines an allergic reaction?
Which of the following MOST accurately defines an allergic reaction?
Chemicals that are responsible for the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction to a bee sting include:
Chemicals that are responsible for the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction to a bee sting include:
Anaphylaxis is MOST accurately defined as a(n):
Anaphylaxis is MOST accurately defined as a(n):
The two MOST common signs of anaphylaxis are:
The two MOST common signs of anaphylaxis are:
Signup and view all the answers
Urticaria is the medical term for:
Urticaria is the medical term for:
Signup and view all the answers
The foreign substance responsible for causing an allergic reaction is called a(n):
The foreign substance responsible for causing an allergic reaction is called a(n):
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following patients would MOST likely have a delayed onset of an allergic reaction?
Which of the following patients would MOST likely have a delayed onset of an allergic reaction?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following statements regarding fire ants is correct?
Which of the following statements regarding fire ants is correct?
Signup and view all the answers
A raised, swollen, well-defined area on the skin that is the result of an insect bite or sting is called:
A raised, swollen, well-defined area on the skin that is the result of an insect bite or sting is called:
Signup and view all the answers
Because the stinger of a honeybee remains in the wound following a sting:
Because the stinger of a honeybee remains in the wound following a sting:
Signup and view all the answers
The stinger from a honeybee should be:
The stinger from a honeybee should be:
Signup and view all the answers
Most patients who die of anaphylaxis do so within the first __________ following exposure.
Most patients who die of anaphylaxis do so within the first __________ following exposure.
Signup and view all the answers
You are assessing a young male who was stung on the leg by a scorpion. You should:
You are assessing a young male who was stung on the leg by a scorpion. You should:
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following would MOST likely provide clues regarding the source of a patient's allergic reaction?
Which of the following would MOST likely provide clues regarding the source of a patient's allergic reaction?
Signup and view all the answers
A 73-year-old man presents with a generalized rash, which he thinks may have been caused by an antibiotic that he recently began taking. You should:
A 73-year-old man presents with a generalized rash, which he thinks may have been caused by an antibiotic that he recently began taking. You should:
Signup and view all the answers
A 37-year-old male is having a severe allergic reaction to penicillin. How should you proceed with the treatment of this patient?
A 37-year-old male is having a severe allergic reaction to penicillin. How should you proceed with the treatment of this patient?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following negative effects of anaphylaxis will be the MOST rapidly fatal if not treated immediately?
Which of the following negative effects of anaphylaxis will be the MOST rapidly fatal if not treated immediately?
Signup and view all the answers
A 38-year-old female was bitten by fire ants. You should:
A 38-year-old female was bitten by fire ants. You should:
Signup and view all the answers
A 48-year-old male is found unconscious in the garden. You should:
A 48-year-old male is found unconscious in the garden. You should:
Signup and view all the answers
You respond to the residence of a 55-year-old female with a possible allergic reaction to peanuts. You should:
You respond to the residence of a 55-year-old female with a possible allergic reaction to peanuts. You should:
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following medications blocks the release of histamines?
Which of the following medications blocks the release of histamines?
Signup and view all the answers
Common signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction include all of the following, EXCEPT:
Common signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction include all of the following, EXCEPT:
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following sounds indicates swelling of the upper airway?
Which of the following sounds indicates swelling of the upper airway?
Signup and view all the answers
While auscultating breath sounds of a patient stung by a yellow jacket, you hear bilateral wheezing. This indicates:
While auscultating breath sounds of a patient stung by a yellow jacket, you hear bilateral wheezing. This indicates:
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following physiologic actions does epinephrine produce when given for an allergic reaction?
Which of the following physiologic actions does epinephrine produce when given for an allergic reaction?
Signup and view all the answers
Epinephrine is indicated for patients with an allergic reaction when:
Epinephrine is indicated for patients with an allergic reaction when:
Signup and view all the answers
The adult epinephrine auto-injector delivers ______ mg of epinephrine, and the pediatric auto-injector delivers ______ mg.
The adult epinephrine auto-injector delivers ______ mg of epinephrine, and the pediatric auto-injector delivers ______ mg.
Signup and view all the answers
When using an auto-injector to give epinephrine, the primary injection site is the:
When using an auto-injector to give epinephrine, the primary injection site is the:
Signup and view all the answers
When administering epinephrine via auto-injector, you should hold the injector in place for:
When administering epinephrine via auto-injector, you should hold the injector in place for:
Signup and view all the answers
Immediately after giving an epinephrine injection, you should:
Immediately after giving an epinephrine injection, you should:
Signup and view all the answers
A 50-year-old male was stung by a honeybee. Your next action should be to:
A 50-year-old male was stung by a honeybee. Your next action should be to:
Signup and view all the answers
You have administered one dose of epinephrine to a 40-year-old female. You should:
You have administered one dose of epinephrine to a 40-year-old female. You should:
Signup and view all the answers
The effects of epinephrine are typically observed within ________ following administration.
The effects of epinephrine are typically observed within ________ following administration.
Signup and view all the answers
Common side effects of epinephrine include all of the following, EXCEPT:
Common side effects of epinephrine include all of the following, EXCEPT:
Signup and view all the answers
A 19-year-old female was stung multiple times by fire ants. You should:
A 19-year-old female was stung multiple times by fire ants. You should:
Signup and view all the answers
After administering 0.3 mg of epinephrine to a 22-year-old female, you should:
After administering 0.3 mg of epinephrine to a 22-year-old female, you should:
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Allergic Reactions Overview
- An allergic reaction is an exaggerated immune system response to a foreign substance known as an allergen.
- Common signs of allergic reactions include wheezing and widespread urticaria (hives).
- Symptoms may be rapid or delayed, with some reactions (like those to food or medications) often having a delayed onset.
Anaphylaxis
- Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction impacting multiple body systems and can be life-threatening.
- Immediate signs include stridor (indicates upper airway swelling) and severe hypotension (low blood pressure).
- Most fatalities occur within 30 minutes of exposure, emphasizing the need for rapid treatment.
Treatment Protocol
- Epinephrine is the primary medication for treating anaphylaxis. It causes bronchodilation and vasoconstriction.
- Adult epinephrine auto-injectors deliver 0.3 mg, while pediatric ones deliver 0.15 mg.
- Administration should be in the lateral thigh, with the injector held in place for 10 seconds.
Recognition of Symptoms
- Urticaria refers to hives, while a wheal is a raised, swollen area of skin from stings or bites.
- Severe reactions may lead to difficulty in breathing, facial swelling, and tachycardia (increased heart rate).
- Common side effects of epinephrine include anxiety, tachycardia, and headache, but drowsiness is not typical.
Specific Cases
- Insect stings (e.g., fire ants, honeybees) can cause significant allergic reactions, often requiring immediate use of epinephrine.
- For patients with respiratory distress and facial swelling, administering oxygen and epinephrine promptly is crucial.
- When encountering a patient who has a history of severe reactions but no available epinephrine, transporting them rapidly and requesting advanced care is necessary.
Assessment and Monitoring
- Monitoring of vital signs and reassessment post-epinephrine administration are critical to ensure patient stability.
- Understanding the environment and presentation of allergies can provide essential clues in diagnosis and treatment.
- Patients with previous severe allergic reactions should be strongly encouraged to carry an epinephrine auto-injector for emergencies.
Summary of Key Points
- Conditions like urticaria, stridor, and hypotension require immediate medical attention.
- Honeybee stings can continue injecting venom for up to 20 minutes after the sting.
- Most individuals have unique reactions to allergens, making history-taking and environment assessment vital.
Conclusion
- Effective management of allergic reactions, especially anaphylaxis, hinges on quick recognition, immediate treatment with epinephrine, and careful patient monitoring.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Prepare for your ADHS EMT Chapter 18 exam with these flashcards focused on allergic reactions. Test your understanding of core concepts and definitions related to immunology. This review aids in reinforcing your knowledge and improving your exam readiness.
