Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following symptoms would indicate potential respiratory distress in a patient experiencing an allergic reaction?
Which of the following symptoms would indicate potential respiratory distress in a patient experiencing an allergic reaction?
What general finding would NOT typically be associated with an allergic reaction?
What general finding would NOT typically be associated with an allergic reaction?
Which sign might suggest that a patient is experiencing shock related to an allergic reaction?
Which sign might suggest that a patient is experiencing shock related to an allergic reaction?
What symptom might lead a healthcare provider to suspect a severe allergic reaction?
What symptom might lead a healthcare provider to suspect a severe allergic reaction?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is a classic respiratory sign of an allergic reaction?
Which of the following is a classic respiratory sign of an allergic reaction?
Signup and view all the answers
What psychological symptom might a patient with an allergic reaction report?
What psychological symptom might a patient with an allergic reaction report?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the term used for a severe allergic reaction?
What is the term used for a severe allergic reaction?
Signup and view all the answers
What is one of the primary indicators that could necessitate the administration of epinephrine?
What is one of the primary indicators that could necessitate the administration of epinephrine?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is considered an allergen?
Which of the following is considered an allergen?
Signup and view all the answers
In an allergic reaction, which vital sign changes may occur?
In an allergic reaction, which vital sign changes may occur?
Signup and view all the answers
What symptom is NOT typically associated with allergic reactions?
What symptom is NOT typically associated with allergic reactions?
Signup and view all the answers
Which symptom is least likely to be reported by a patient experiencing an allergic reaction?
Which symptom is least likely to be reported by a patient experiencing an allergic reaction?
Signup and view all the answers
Which symptom indicates a possible allergic reaction that requires immediate airway management?
Which symptom indicates a possible allergic reaction that requires immediate airway management?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following conditions could complicate an allergic reaction?
Which of the following conditions could complicate an allergic reaction?
Signup and view all the answers
In cases of allergic reactions, what is the first step in emergency care?
In cases of allergic reactions, what is the first step in emergency care?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following categories of substances typically does NOT cause allergic reactions?
Which of the following categories of substances typically does NOT cause allergic reactions?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a common sign of an allergic reaction that may manifest on the skin?
What is a common sign of an allergic reaction that may manifest on the skin?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following statements about allergic reactions is true?
Which of the following statements about allergic reactions is true?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a typical initial treatment for managing an allergic reaction?
What is a typical initial treatment for managing an allergic reaction?
Signup and view all the answers
What symptom is often experienced in the respiratory system during an allergic reaction?
What symptom is often experienced in the respiratory system during an allergic reaction?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary goal when a patient has an epinephrine auto-injector and is experiencing a severe allergic reaction?
What is the primary goal when a patient has an epinephrine auto-injector and is experiencing a severe allergic reaction?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT a serious sign that indicates the need for immediate administration of epinephrine?
Which of the following is NOT a serious sign that indicates the need for immediate administration of epinephrine?
Signup and view all the answers
What should be assessed before administering an epinephrine auto-injector?
What should be assessed before administering an epinephrine auto-injector?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following actions is recommended if a patient does not have an epinephrine autoinjector and is experiencing a severe allergic reaction?
Which of the following actions is recommended if a patient does not have an epinephrine autoinjector and is experiencing a severe allergic reaction?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the mechanism of action of epinephrine in treating allergic reactions?
What is the mechanism of action of epinephrine in treating allergic reactions?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the typical adult dosage for an epinephrine auto-injector?
What is the typical adult dosage for an epinephrine auto-injector?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following side effects could a patient experience after receiving epinephrine?
Which of the following side effects could a patient experience after receiving epinephrine?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the first step to take when assessing a patient with a suspected allergic reaction?
What is the first step to take when assessing a patient with a suspected allergic reaction?
Signup and view all the answers
When is the use of epinephrine contraindicated?
When is the use of epinephrine contraindicated?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of these constitutes a SAMPLE history assessment in an allergic reaction scenario?
Which of these constitutes a SAMPLE history assessment in an allergic reaction scenario?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Chapter 21: Allergic Reactions
- Allergic reactions are exaggerated immune responses to substances contacting the body
- A severe allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis or an anaphylactic reaction
- Allergens are substances commonly causing allergic reactions (e.g., insect bites/stings, foods, plants, medications)
- Causes of allergic reactions include foods, insect bites, medications, and plants
- Signs and symptoms of allergic reactions may include warm tingling feelings in the face, mouth, chest, feet, hands, itching, hives, red skin, swelling of face, neck, hands, feet and/or tongue
- Respiratory system symptoms include patient feeling tightness in the throat/chest, cough, rapid breathing, labored breathing, noisy breathing, hoarseness, stridor, wheezing
- Cardiac symptoms include increased heart rate, and decreased blood pressure
- Generalized findings of allergic reactions include itchy, watery eyes, headache, a sense of impending doom, runny nose, decreasing mental status
- Assessment findings revealing shock (hypoperfusion) and severe respiratory distress suggest a severe allergic reaction
Emergency Care for Patients with Allergic Reactions
- Perform initial assessment
- Perform focused history and physical exam (history of allergies, what patient was exposed to, how they were exposed, effects, progression, interventions)
- Assess baseline vital signs and SAMPLE history
- If patient has prescribed preloaded epinephrine, administer it
- If no preloaded epinephrine is available and patient has no epinephrine auto-injector, transport immediately
Epinephrine
- A medication used to dilate bronchioles, prevent tissue swelling, constrict blood vessels, and increase heart's ability to pump blood
- Auto-injector: a device administering a preset dose of medication via intramuscular self-injection
- Indications include assessment revealing patient with a severe allergic reaction, respiratory compromise and/or hypoperfusion.
- Contraindications are none in emergency situations
- Actions of epinephrine: Dilates the bronchioles, constricts blood vessels
- Dosage: Adult – one adult auto-injector (0.3 mg); Infant and child – one infant/child auto-injector (0.15 mg)
- Side effects may include increases heart rate, pallor, dizziness, chest pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, excitability, anxiousness
Use of the Auto-Injector
- Steps are shown in the slides.
Emergency Care of Allergic Reaction
- If patient does not have signs of respiratory distress or shock (hypoperfusion), continue focused assessment
- If patient does not have wheezing or without signs of respiratory distress or shock (hypoperfusion), administer high-flow oxygen and transport
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Explore the complex world of allergic reactions in this quiz based on Chapter 21. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and severe responses like anaphylaxis. Test your understanding of allergens and how they affect the body.
