ADHS EMT Chapter 18 Test Review

Questions and Answers

Which of the following MOST accurately defines an allergic reaction?

A direct negative effect on the body by an external substance

A release of erythrocytes in response to a foreign substance

Destruction of the immune system by an external substance

An exaggerated immune system response to any substance (correct)

Chemicals that are responsible for the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction to a bee sting include:

The bee venom itself

Histamines and leukotrienes (correct)

Adrenaline and histamines

Leukocytes and epinephrine

Anaphylaxis is MOST accurately defined as a(n):

Extreme allergic reaction that may affect multiple body systems (correct)

Allergic reaction that causes bronchodilation and vasoconstriction

Moderate allergic reaction that primarily affects the vasculature

Severe allergic reaction that typically resolves without treatment

The two MOST common signs of anaphylaxis are:

Wheezing and widespread urticaria Signup and view all the answers

Urticaria is the medical term for:

Hives Signup and view all the answers

The foreign substance responsible for causing an allergic reaction is called a(n):

Allergen Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following patients would MOST likely have a delayed onset of an allergic reaction?

A 45-year-old male who ingested penicillin Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements regarding fire ants is correct?

Fire ants often bite a person repeatedly 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 wheal Signup and view all the answers

Because the stinger of a honeybee remains in the wound following a sting:

It can continue to inject venom for up to 20 minutes Signup and view all the answers

The stinger from a honeybee should be:

Scraped away from the skin Signup and view all the answers

Most patients who die of anaphylaxis do so within the first __________ following exposure.

30 minutes Signup and view all the answers

You are assessing a young male who was stung on the leg by a scorpion. You should:

Apply oxygen as needed, clean the area with soap and water or a mild antiseptic, and transport him to the hospital Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following would MOST likely provide clues regarding the source of a patient's allergic reaction?

The environment in which the patient is found 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:

Contact medical control if needed, transport the patient, and monitor him for signs of deterioration 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?

Administer oxygen, transport at once, and request a paramedic intercept Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following negative effects of anaphylaxis will be the MOST rapidly fatal if not treated immediately?

Upper airway swelling Signup and view all the answers

A 38-year-old female was bitten by fire ants. You should:

Assist her ventilations with 100% oxygen Signup and view all the answers

A 48-year-old male is found unconscious in the garden. You should:

Maintain his airway and assist his ventilations 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:

Ask her if she has prescribed epinephrine Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following medications blocks the release of histamines?

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) Signup and view all the answers

Common signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction include all of the following, EXCEPT:

Drying of the eyes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sounds indicates swelling of the upper airway?

Stridor Signup and view all the answers

While auscultating breath sounds of a patient stung by a yellow jacket, you hear bilateral wheezing. This indicates:

Narrowing of the bronchioles in the lungs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following physiologic actions does epinephrine produce when given for an allergic reaction?

Vasoconstriction and bronchodilation Signup and view all the answers

Epinephrine is indicated for patients with an allergic reaction when:

Wheezing and hypotension are present Signup and view all the answers

The adult epinephrine auto-injector delivers mg of epinephrine, and the pediatric auto-injector delivers mg.

0.3, 0.15 Signup and view all the answers

When using an auto-injector to give epinephrine, the primary injection site is the:

Lateral portion of the thigh Signup and view all the answers

When administering epinephrine via auto-injector, you should hold the injector in place for:

10 seconds Signup and view all the answers

Immediately after giving an epinephrine injection, you should:

Properly dispose of the syringe Signup and view all the answers

A 50-year-old male was stung by a honeybee. Your next action should be to:

Record the time and dose of the injection, and transport promptly Signup and view all the answers

You have administered one dose of epinephrine to a 40-year-old female. You should:

Request permission from medical control to give another dose of epinephrine Signup and view all the answers

The effects of epinephrine are typically observed within ________ following administration.

1 minute Signup and view all the answers

Common side effects of epinephrine include all of the following, EXCEPT:

Drowsiness Signup and view all the answers

A 19-year-old female was stung multiple times by fire ants. You should:

Administer oxygen and transport her to the hospital Signup and view all the answers

After administering 0.3 mg of epinephrine to a 22-year-old female, you should:

Monitor her closely but recall that anxiety and tachycardia are side effects of epinephrine 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.

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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.