ALLERGIES / ANAPHYLAXIS

Question 1

After administering an EpiPen, should you call 911?

Answer 1

Yes, always

Question 2

What are symptoms of an allergic reaction?

Answer 2

Hives
itching
lips swelling
trouble breathing
- can result in a medical emergency

Question 3

Anaphylaxis

Answer 3

Rapid, severe allergic response

Question 4

Allergens

Answer 4

Common things people are allergic to

Question 5

Types of allergens:

Answer 5

Food
Insect venom
Latex
Meds

Question 6

Common food allergens:

Answer 6

Peanuts
Tree nuts (walnuts, cashews, pecan, etc. )
Cows milk
Eggs
Soy
Fish
Shell fish
Wheat

Question 7

Mild/ Moderate Signs and symptoms of allergic reaction:

Answer 7

Itchy/ runny nose
Itchy mouth
A few hives
Mild itch
Mild nausea/ discomfort

Question 8

Severe/Anaphylactic Signs and symptoms of allergic reaction:

Answer 8

• Short of breathe, wheezing, repetitive cough
• Skin color pale or blue
• Increased heart rate
• Faint, weak pulse, dizzy
• Tight throat, hoarse, difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Swelling of the throat, tongue and/or lips or around eyes
• Many hives over body, widespread redness
• Abdominal cramps, vomiting, severe diarrhea
• Feeling something bad will happen, anxiety, confusion
• Metallic taste or itching of the mouth

Question 9

What to do with anaphylaxis:

Answer 9

1. Follow emergency action plan for student.
2. For severe symptoms- if student carries an Eli-pen, inject it immediately
3. Call 911 - Advise Anaphylaxis
4. Stay with student. Have someone call district nurse and parents.
5. Give second dose of epinephrine if symptoms get worse, continue, or do not get better in 5 minutes.

Question 10

What’s the only drug that saves lives during an allergic reaction?

Answer 10

Epinephrine

Question 11

What does Epinephrine do?

Answer 11

• Constricts blood vessels to help raise blood pressure.
• Relaxes smooth muscles in the lungs, allowing patients to breathe easier
• Decreases swelling, opens the airway and stops further allergic response by the body.

Question 12

How to use Epi-Pen:

Answer 12

“Blue to the sky, orange to the thigh”
1. Remove blue safety release.
2. Swing and push orange tip firmly into mid-outter thigh until you hear a click.
3. Hold on thigh for several seconds.
4. Rub thigh for 10 seconds.
- if safety is compromised or pen accidentally triggered, pen cannot be used.