Infection/Immunity Case Study Analysis

Study Notes

Patient: Allie Ergy, 28-year-old female
Medical History: No known allergies or chronic medical conditions
Chief Complaint: Difficulty breathing, hives, lightheadedness, and dizziness
Presenting Symptoms: Difficulty breathing, generalized hives (urticaria), swelling of lips and tongue, dizziness, lightheadedness, anxiety, and restlessness
Background Information: Eaten seafood 30 minutes prior to symptom onset. Patient reports never having experienced a similar reaction before.
Assessment Findings: Tachycardia (heart rate: 120 bpm), increased respiratory rate (32 breaths per minute), blood pressure: 90/60 mmHg, oxygen saturation: 92% on room air, labored breathing with audible wheezing, periorbital and facial swelling, diffuse erythematous hives covering the entire body.
Nursing Diagnosis: Impaired gas exchange related to airway obstruction and respiratory distress, Risk for ineffective tissue perfusion related to decreased blood pressure and potential shock, Anxiety related to perceived threat to life and unfamiliar symptoms.
Plan of Care Priorities: Ensure patent airway, continuous cardiac and oxygen saturation monitoring, administer medications (epi-pen, steroids, antihistamine), collaborative interventions, psychosocial interventions.
Discharge Plan: Controlled exposure to allergens to prevent future reactions, an example of passive acquired immunity.