EMT-B Chapter 20 - Immunologic Emergencies
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Questions and Answers

You respond to the residence of a 55-year-old female with a possible allergic reaction to peanuts that she ate approximately 30 minutes ago. As your partner applies oxygen to the patient, you should:

  • Ascertain if she has a family history of allergies.
  • Obtain a complete set of baseline vital signs.
  • Ask her when her last allergic reaction occurred.
  • Ask her if she has prescribed epinephrine. (correct)
  • Urticaria is the medical term for:

  • A wheal.
  • Swelling.
  • Hives. (correct)
  • Burning.
  • Which of the following negative effects of anaphylaxis will be the MOST rapidly fatal if not treated immediately?

  • Systemic vasodilation.
  • Diffuse urticaria.
  • Upper airway swelling. (correct)
  • Severe hypotension.
  • Immediately after giving an epinephrine injection, you should:

    <p>Properly dispose of the syringe.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>0.3, 0.15</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>The environment in which the patient is found.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>30 minutes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following medications blocks the release of histamines?

    <p>Diphenhydramine (Benadryl).</p> Signup and view all the answers

    You have administered one dose of epinephrine to a 40-year-old female to treat an allergic reaction that she developed after being stung by a scorpion. Your reassessment reveals that she is still having difficulty breathing, has a decreasing mental status, and has a blood pressure of 80/50 mm Hg. You should:

    <p>Request permission from medical control to give another dose of epinephrine.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Drying of the eyes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>1 minute</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Stridor.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Epinephrine is indicated for patients with an allergic reaction when:

    <p>Wheezing and hypotension are present.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    While auscultating breath sounds of a patient who was stung multiple times by a yellow jacket, you hear bilateral wheezing over all lung fields. This indicates:

    <p>Narrowing of the bronchioles in the lungs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Anaphylaxis is MOST accurately defined as a(n):

    <p>Extreme allergic reaction that may affect multiple body systems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Allergic Reactions and Anaphylaxis

    • Allergic reactions can arise from exposure to allergens such as peanuts and insect stings, manifesting symptoms including urticaria (hives) and difficulty breathing.
    • In cases of suspected anaphylaxis, the likelihood of a rapid fatality is high if upper airway swelling occurs, emphasizing the need for immediate intervention.

    Epinephrine Administration

    • Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for severe allergic reactions, indicated when wheezing and hypotension are present.
    • Adult auto-injectors deliver 0.3 mg of epinephrine, while pediatric auto-injectors administer 0.15 mg.
    • After administering epinephrine, properly dispose of the syringe and record the dosage and time given.

    Signs and Symptoms of Allergic Reactions

    • Common signs of allergic reactions include urticaria, persistent dry cough, abdominal cramps, and flushing of the skin.
    • Drying of the eyes is NOT typically a symptom of an allergic reaction.
    • Stridor indicates swelling of the upper airway, while wheezing suggests narrowing of the bronchioles caused by an allergic response.

    Timing and Responses to Allergic Reactions

    • Most patients who die from anaphylaxis do so within 30 minutes following exposure to an allergen.
    • Histamine release, which triggers allergic symptoms, can be blocked by medications such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
    • The effects of epinephrine are usually observed within 1 minute after administration.

    Patient Assessment and Follow-Up

    • When assessing a patient experiencing an allergic reaction, the environment may provide vital clues about the source of the allergy.
    • Ongoing evaluation is crucial; if a patient remains unstable after epinephrine administration, medical control should be contacted for possible additional dosing or treatment adjustments.

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    Description

    Test your knowledge on immunologic emergencies with this quiz focused on allergic reactions, specifically in emergency medical technician scenarios. Covering vital responses and treatment protocols, these flashcards will enhance your understanding and preparedness for similar real-world situations.

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