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Questions and Answers
The effects of epinephrine are typically observed within _________ following administration.
The effects of epinephrine are typically observed within _________ following administration.
1 minute
Immediately after giving an epinephrine injection, you should:
Immediately after giving an epinephrine injection, you should:
properly dispose of the syringe.
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:
10 seconds.
Bilateral wheezing over all lung fields indicates:
Bilateral wheezing over all lung fields indicates:
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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:
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After administering 0.3 mg of epinephrine via auto-injector to a 22-year-old female with an allergic reaction, what should you monitor for?
After administering 0.3 mg of epinephrine via auto-injector to a 22-year-old female with an allergic reaction, what should you monitor for?
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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?
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The stinger from a honeybee should be:
The stinger from a honeybee should be:
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Because the stinger of a honeybee remains in the wound following a sting, it:
Because the stinger of a honeybee remains in the wound following a sting, it:
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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?
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Which of the following medications blocks the release of histamines?
Which of the following medications blocks the release of histamines?
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What results in respiratory distress and/or hypoperfusion?
What results in respiratory distress and/or hypoperfusion?
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What does angioedema refer to?
What does angioedema refer to?
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Swelling indicates ___________
Swelling indicates ___________
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What is the first treatment for anaphylactic shock?
What is the first treatment for anaphylactic shock?
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What is the best treatment for anaphylactic shock?
What is the best treatment for anaphylactic shock?
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What are typical indicators of anaphylactic shock?
What are typical indicators of anaphylactic shock?
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EpiPen is a trade name for:
EpiPen is a trade name for:
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Epinephrine dose depends on weight. What is the dose for a weight of 66 pounds (40kg)?
Epinephrine dose depends on weight. What is the dose for a weight of 66 pounds (40kg)?
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When should you not use epinephrine?
When should you not use epinephrine?
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The signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction are caused by the release of:
The signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction are caused by the release of:
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The negative effects associated with anaphylactic shock are the result of:
The negative effects associated with anaphylactic shock are the result of:
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You are called to a local baseball park for a 23-year-old man with difficulty breathing. Your assessment reveals widespread urticaria, tachycardia, and a BP of 90/60 mm Hg. You can hear him wheezing, even without a stethoscope. You should be MOST suspicious of a(n):
You are called to a local baseball park for a 23-year-old man with difficulty breathing. Your assessment reveals widespread urticaria, tachycardia, and a BP of 90/60 mm Hg. You can hear him wheezing, even without a stethoscope. You should be MOST suspicious of a(n):
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What is a wheal?
What is a wheal?
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You are treating a woman who was stung numerous times by hornets. On assessment, you note that some of the stingers are still embedded in her skin. You should:
You are treating a woman who was stung numerous times by hornets. On assessment, you note that some of the stingers are still embedded in her skin. You should:
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What should you do first when a young male is experiencing signs and symptoms of anaphylactic shock after being stung by a scorpion?
What should you do first when a young male is experiencing signs and symptoms of anaphylactic shock after being stung by a scorpion?
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The MOST reliable indicator of upper airway swelling during a severe allergic reaction is:
The MOST reliable indicator of upper airway swelling during a severe allergic reaction is:
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The most common trigger of anaphylaxis is:
The most common trigger of anaphylaxis is:
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The adult EpiPen system delivers _____ mg of epinephrine, and the infant-child system delivers _____ mg.
The adult EpiPen system delivers _____ mg of epinephrine, and the infant-child system delivers _____ mg.
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When administering epinephrine by auto-injector, the EMT should hold the injector in place for:
When administering epinephrine by auto-injector, the EMT should hold the injector in place for:
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Raised red spots on the skin are most likely:
Raised red spots on the skin are most likely:
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Your partner indicates that he heard wheezes in all lung fields. What did he hear?
Your partner indicates that he heard wheezes in all lung fields. What did he hear?
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Following the administration of epinephrine, the patient reports that his heart is beating 'very fast.' How should you respond?
Following the administration of epinephrine, the patient reports that his heart is beating 'very fast.' How should you respond?
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Which of the following categories of allergens is the most common?
Which of the following categories of allergens is the most common?
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Which of the following are late signs of an allergic reaction?
Which of the following are late signs of an allergic reaction?
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You are responding to a call where an 8-year-old has been stung by a wasp. These spots are most likely:
You are responding to a call where an 8-year-old has been stung by a wasp. These spots are most likely:
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Why is epinephrine used for anaphylaxis?
Why is epinephrine used for anaphylaxis?
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What is an allergen?
What is an allergen?
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An extreme, life-threatening, systemic reaction that may include shock and respiratory failure is known as:
An extreme, life-threatening, systemic reaction that may include shock and respiratory failure is known as:
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You are treating a child with a bee sting. The stinger is still embedded in the child's skin. What should you do?
You are treating a child with a bee sting. The stinger is still embedded in the child's skin. What should you do?
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You have responded to a scene where a 33-year-old male patient is in obvious respiratory distress. Which of the following interventions should you administer first?
You have responded to a scene where a 33-year-old male patient is in obvious respiratory distress. Which of the following interventions should you administer first?
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When assessing a patient's breathing, you hear wheezing in all lung fields. What are you hearing?
When assessing a patient's breathing, you hear wheezing in all lung fields. What are you hearing?
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What is a wheal?
What is a wheal?
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Which of the following patients has the most significant chance of having a contraindication to epinephrine?
Which of the following patients has the most significant chance of having a contraindication to epinephrine?
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What is the dose of epinephrine contained in an adult EpiPen?
What is the dose of epinephrine contained in an adult EpiPen?
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Which of the following statements regarding fire ants is correct?
Which of the following statements regarding fire ants is correct?
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Which of the following MOST accurately defines an allergic reaction?
Which of the following MOST accurately defines an allergic reaction?
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During airway and breathing portions of the primary assessment of a victim of an immunologic emergency, the EMT should __________.
During airway and breathing portions of the primary assessment of a victim of an immunologic emergency, the EMT should __________.
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The purpose of the human immune system is to ________.
The purpose of the human immune system is to ________.
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Allergic reactions to injected medications may occur ___________ and may be quite severe.
Allergic reactions to injected medications may occur ___________ and may be quite severe.
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When an auto-injector is used to give epinephrine, the primary injection site is the:
When an auto-injector is used to give epinephrine, the primary injection site is the:
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A 38-year-old woman was bitten by fire ants while at the park. What should you do based on her assessment?
A 38-year-old woman was bitten by fire ants while at the park. What should you do based on her assessment?
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Most patients who die of anaphylaxis do so within the first ____ minutes following exposure.
Most patients who die of anaphylaxis do so within the first ____ minutes following exposure.
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An immune system is necessary for human life because __________.
An immune system is necessary for human life because __________.
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You respond to a 55-year-old woman with a possible allergic reaction. As your partner applies oxygen to her, you should:
You respond to a 55-year-old woman with a possible allergic reaction. As your partner applies oxygen to her, you should:
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A 48-year-old male is found unconscious in the garden. What should you do?
A 48-year-old male is found unconscious in the garden. What should you do?
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Which questions would be most appropriate for the EMT to ask a conscious victim of an allergic reaction?
Which questions would be most appropriate for the EMT to ask a conscious victim of an allergic reaction?
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Which of the following is an action of epinephrine on the human body?
Which of the following is an action of epinephrine on the human body?
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The scene size-up step in the assessment of an immunologic emergency is critical because it may indicate __________.
The scene size-up step in the assessment of an immunologic emergency is critical because it may indicate __________.
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You are assessing a young male who was stung by a scorpion. What should you do next?
You are assessing a young male who was stung by a scorpion. What should you do next?
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The assessment of an immunologic emergency is critical because it will help the EMT determine whether the __________.
The assessment of an immunologic emergency is critical because it will help the EMT determine whether the __________.
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It is critical to closely monitor and reassess a victim of an immunologic emergency because the patient may __________.
It is critical to closely monitor and reassess a victim of an immunologic emergency because the patient may __________.
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Two of the MOST common signs of anaphylaxis are:
Two of the MOST common signs of anaphylaxis are:
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Chemicals responsible for the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction to a bee sting include:
Chemicals responsible for the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction to a bee sting include:
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While auscultating breath sounds of a patient who was stung multiple times by a yellow jacket, what does bilateral wheezing indicate?
While auscultating breath sounds of a patient who was stung multiple times by a yellow jacket, what does bilateral wheezing indicate?
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When you respond to the residence of a 55-year-old woman with a possible allergic reaction, what should your partner ask her?
When you respond to the residence of a 55-year-old woman with a possible allergic reaction, what should your partner ask her?
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Most patients who die of anaphylaxis do so within the first ____ minutes following exposure.
Most patients who die of anaphylaxis do so within the first ____ minutes following exposure.
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Which of the following statements regarding epinephrine administration via the intramuscular (IM) route is correct?
Which of the following statements regarding epinephrine administration via the intramuscular (IM) route is correct?
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Which of the following sounds indicates swelling of the upper airway?
Which of the following sounds indicates swelling of the upper airway?
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When an auto-injector is used to give epinephrine, the primary injection site is the:
When an auto-injector is used to give epinephrine, the primary injection site is the:
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You have administered one dose of epinephrine to a 40-year-old female with an allergic reaction. What should you do if she is still having difficulty breathing?
You have administered one dose of epinephrine to a 40-year-old female with an allergic reaction. What should you do if she is still having difficulty breathing?
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A 37-year-old male is having a severe allergic reaction to penicillin. What should you do?
A 37-year-old male is having a severe allergic reaction to penicillin. What should you do?
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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):
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Two of the MOST common signs of anaphylaxis are:
Two of the MOST common signs of anaphylaxis are:
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You are assessing a young male who was stung on the leg by a scorpion. What should you do?
You are assessing a young male who was stung on the leg by a scorpion. What should you do?
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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?
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Urticaria is the medical term for:
Urticaria is the medical term for:
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The adult epinephrine auto-injector delivers ______ mg of epinephrine, and the infant-child auto-injector delivers ______ mg.
The adult epinephrine auto-injector delivers ______ mg of epinephrine, and the infant-child auto-injector delivers ______ mg.
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Chemicals responsible for the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction to a bee sting include:
Chemicals responsible for the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction to a bee sting include:
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Which of the following MOST accurately defines an allergic reaction?
Which of the following MOST accurately defines an allergic reaction?
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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:
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Which of the following statements regarding fire ants is correct?
Which of the following statements regarding fire ants is correct?
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Common side effects of epinephrine include all of the following, EXCEPT:
Common side effects of epinephrine include all of the following, EXCEPT:
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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?
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A 73-year-old man presents with a generalized rash caused by an antibiotic. What should you do?
A 73-year-old man presents with a generalized rash caused by an antibiotic. What should you do?
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Epinephrine is indicated for patients with an allergic reaction when:
Epinephrine is indicated for patients with an allergic reaction when:
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A 50-year-old male was stung by a honeybee. What should you do after administering his epinephrine?
A 50-year-old male was stung by a honeybee. What should you do after administering his epinephrine?
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Anaphylaxis is MOST accurately defined as a(n):
Anaphylaxis is MOST accurately defined as a(n):
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Study Notes
Allergy and Anaphylaxis Overview
- Allergic reactions are primarily caused by the release of histamines and leukotrienes.
- Anaphylactic shock results from vasodilation and bronchoconstriction.
Signs and Symptoms
- Common signs of an anaphylactic reaction include urticaria (hives) and angioedema (swelling).
- Wheezing indicates bronchial constriction.
- Stridor is the most reliable sign of upper airway swelling.
Epinephrine Administration
- Adult EpiPen delivers 0.3 mg of epinephrine; child formulation delivers 0.15 mg.
- Hold the epinephrine auto-injector in place for 10 seconds for effective delivery.
- Epinephrine reverses bronchoconstriction and vasodilation, improving respiratory function.
Allergens and Triggers
- The most common triggers for anaphylaxis include food (e.g., peanuts).
- An allergen is a substance that causes an allergic reaction.
- Fire ants can bite repeatedly, raising concerns for allergic reactions.
Patient Assessment
- Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, cyanosis, and tachycardia indicate potential anaphylaxis.
- A wheal is a raised, well-defined area of skin, often associated with insect stings.
Treatment Considerations
- For stings, scrape out the stinger (e.g., honeybee) instead of pulling it out.
- Oxygen should be administered to patients experiencing severe respiratory distress.
- Always monitor patients closely after administering epinephrine due to the potential for side effects like tachycardia.
Common Misconceptions
- An allergic reaction can occur quickly (within 30 minutes of exposure), especially to injected substances.
- Anaphylaxis is defined as an extreme systemic reaction that can include shock.
Complications and Emergencies
- Most fatalities due to anaphylaxis occur within the first 30 minutes post-exposure.
- Patients with a history of serious allergies (e.g., peanut allergies) may have more severe reactions.
Monitoring and Follow-Up
- Constant reassessment is crucial as patients can rapidly deteriorate.
- After administering epinephrine, record time and dosage, and transport the patient promptly.
Summary of Key Terms
- Urticaria: Hives or raised red spots on skin.
- Angioedema: Swelling, commonly of lips and face.
- Histamines: Chemicals released during allergic reactions that cause symptoms.
- Auto-injector Site: Lateral portion of the thigh is preferred for epinephrine injection.
Emergency Protocols
- Seek medical control for additional doses of epinephrine if a patient remains symptomatic.
- Investigate the environment for potential sources of allergens during assessment.### Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- An antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of allergy, hay fever, and the common cold.
- Often used for its sedative effects as well.
Anaphylaxis
- A severe allergic reaction that can result in respiratory distress and low blood pressure (hypoperfusion).
- Requires immediate medical intervention due to its life-threatening nature.
Angioedema
- Characterized by localized swelling, often affecting areas such as the face, lips, and throat.
- Can be a symptom associated with allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.
Inflammation
- Swelling is a physical indicator of inflammation, which is the body's response to injury or infection.
- Inflammatory response can be part of allergic reactions.
Anaphylactic Shock Treatment
- First treatment involves providing oxygen to the patient for improved respiratory function.
- Best treatment option is epinephrine, which can rapidly reverse the symptoms of anaphylaxis.
Indicators of Anaphylactic Shock
- Symptoms include low blood pressure and an increased respiratory rate.
- Requires urgent medical attention and administration of epinephrine.
Epinephrine
- Trade name for epinephrine is EpiPen, a device used for self-administration in emergencies.
- The dosage of epinephrine is weight-dependent; for a patient weighing 66 pounds (40 kg), dosage must be carefully calculated.
Contraindications for Epinephrine Use
- Should not be used in patients who do not exhibit signs of respiratory distress or hypotension.
- Not indicated for individuals who do not fulfill criteria for anaphylaxis diagnosis.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Test your knowledge on allergy and anaphylaxis with these flashcards from Chapter 21. Each card focuses on key concepts, including the causes of allergic reactions and the effects of anaphylactic shock. Perfect for students and professionals in the health field.