Questions and Answers
It is critical to closely monitor and reassess a victim of an immunologic emergency because the patient may __________.
rapidly deteriorate
Which questions would be most appropriate for the EMT to ask a conscious victim of an allergic reaction?
Have you taken any medications for this episode and have they helped?
Two of the MOST common signs of anaphylaxis are:
urticaria and angioedema.
Allergic reactions to injected medications may occur ___________ and may be quite severe.
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The purpose of the human immune system is to ________.
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The scene size-up step in the assessment of an immunologic emergency is critical because it may indicate __________.
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The assessment of an immunologic emergency is critical because it will help the EMT determine whether the __________.
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An immune system is necessary for human life because __________.
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Most patients who die of anaphylaxis do so within the first ____ minutes following exposure.
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When an auto-injector is used to give epinephrine, the primary injection site is the:
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A 48-year-old male is found unconscious in the garden. When you assess the man, you find that he is unresponsive, has labored breathing, and has hives over his entire trunk. You should:
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Which of the following is an action of epinephrine on the human body?
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Which of the following statements regarding fire ants is correct?
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You are assessing a young male who was stung on the leg by a scorpion. He is conscious and alert. Assessment of his leg reveals a wheal surrounded by an area of redness and he states that he had a 'bad reaction' last time. You should:
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Which of the following MOST accurately defines an allergic reaction?
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You respond to a residence of a 55-year-old woman with a possible allergic reaction to peanuts that she ate 30 minutes ago. The patient is conscious and alert, but has diffuse urticaria. As your partner applies oxygen to the patient, you should:
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A 38-year-old woman was bitten by fire ants while at the park. Your primary assessment reveals that she is semiconscious. You should:
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During airway and breathing portions of the primary assessment of a victim of an immunologic emergency, the EMT should __________.
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Chemicals that are 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, you hear bilateral wheezing. This indicates:
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Some people do not experience allergic reactions the first time they are exposed to an allergen. First the person becomes______ to the substance, and his or her immune system learns to recognize it.
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Which of the following processes is the third event in the sequence of events in anaphylaxis?
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Study Notes
Immunologic Emergencies Overview
- Patients in immunologic emergencies may rapidly deteriorate and require close monitoring and reassessment.
- Allergic reactions to injected medications can occur within 30 minutes and may be severe.
Common Signs of Anaphylaxis
- Two primary indicators of anaphylaxis are urticaria (hives) and angioedema (swelling).
- Most fatalities from anaphylaxis occur within the first 30 minutes after exposure.
Immune System Function
- The human immune system's primary role is to protect against foreign substances and organisms.
- Essential for life, the immune system requires proper functioning to prevent severe allergic reactions.
Assessment and Intervention
- Scene size-up is crucial for assessing the nature of the emergency, determining if it's medical, traumatic, or both.
- Use an epinephrine auto-injector primarily in the lateral thigh for immediate treatment.
Specific Case Responses
- In cases of unconscious patients with hives, maintaining the airway and assisting with ventilations is critical.
- For patients with known allergies, check if they have prescribed epinephrine and apply oxygen as needed.
Effects of Epinephrine
- Epinephrine increases cardiac contractility and alleviates symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Allergens and Reactions
- Fire ants can sting multiple times, leading to severe allergic reactions.
- Chemicals such as histamines and leukotrienes cause the signs and symptoms of allergic reactions, including wheezing indicating narrowing of the bronchioles.
Sensitization and Anaphylaxis Sequence
- Initial exposure to an allergen may not trigger a reaction; individuals may become sensitized before experiencing symptoms.
- The third event in anaphylaxis is the release of mast cell chemical mediators, contributing to the reaction's severity.
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Description
This quiz covers key concepts and flashcards related to Immunologic Emergencies in EMS Chapter 20. Participants will learn about the critical monitoring of patients experiencing allergic reactions and the appropriate questions to ask. Test your knowledge on common signs and definitions associated with immunologic emergencies.
