Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

clinical > anaphylaxis > Flashcards

anaphylaxis Flashcards

1
Q

What is anaphylactic shock?

A

A Type I IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction causing capillary leak, wheeze, cyanosis, edema (larynx, lids, tongue, lips), and urticaria.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is an anaphylactoid reaction?

A

A reaction resulting from direct release of mediators from inflammatory cells, usually due to a drug like acetylcysteine, without involving antibodies.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Name a common drug that can precipitate anaphylaxis.

A

Penicillin and contrast media used in radiology.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

List a few common allergens causing anaphylaxis.

A

Peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, eggs, strawberries, and latex.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What are key signs and symptoms of anaphylactic shock?

A

Itching, sweating, diarrhea, vomiting, erythema, urticaria, edema, wheeze, laryngeal obstruction, cyanosis, tachycardia, and hypotension.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What conditions can mimic anaphylaxis?

A

Carcinoid syndrome, pheochromocytoma, systemic mastocytosis, and hereditary angioedema.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is the first step in managing anaphylaxis?

A

Secure the airway and give 100% oxygen.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

When should intubation be considered in anaphylaxis?

A

If there is imminent or severe respiratory obstruction.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is the initial dose of adrenaline for anaphylaxis?

A

0.5mg (0.5mL of 1:1000 solution) administered intramuscularly.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

How often should adrenaline be repeated in anaphylaxis?

A

Every 5 minutes, if needed, based on blood pressure, pulse, and respiratory function.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is the role of IV fluids in anaphylaxis management?

A

Administer 0.9% saline IV, 500mL over 15 minutes, up to 2L if needed, titrating against blood pressure.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What additional treatments might be needed if wheezing?

A

Treat for asthma and consider ventilatory support.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What should be done if hypotension persists despite treatment?

A

Admit to ICU, consider IV adrenaline, aminophylline, and nebulized salbutamol, and seek expert help.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is the purpose of measuring serum tryptase after anaphylaxis?

A

To confirm the diagnosis of anaphylaxis, as tryptase levels reflect mast cell activation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

How is adrenaline administered IV in severe cases?

A

Administer 100mcg/min (0.5mL of 1:10,000 solution) IV, titrated with the patient’s response.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What should be done if a patient is on a β-blocker?

A

Consider using IV salbutamol in place of adrenaline due to potential interference with adrenaline’s action.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is the recommended follow-up after anaphylaxis?

A

Admit to the ward, monitor ECG, continue chlorphenamine for itching, suggest a MedicAlert bracelet, and teach self-injection of adrenaline.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Why use a MedicAlert bracelet for anaphylaxis?

A

It provides emergency responders with crucial information about the individual’s allergies, ensuring prompt and appropriate treatment.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is the role of skin-prick tests in anaphylaxis?

A

To identify specific IgE-mediated allergens to avoid.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

How is self-injected adrenaline used in anaphylaxis prevention?

A

Teach patients to use an autoinjector (e.g., Epipen 0.3mg) to prevent fatal attacks and ensure proper training on its use.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What is the key difference between anaphylaxis and anaphylactoid reactions?

A

Anaphylaxis is IgE-mediated, while anaphylactoid reactions result from direct mediator release without involving antibodies.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Which allergen is particularly common in medical environments?

A

Latex.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What are the immediate steps to take if anaphylaxis is suspected?

A

Secure airway, administer 100% oxygen, and remove the causative agent.

24
Q

What are the typical doses of chlorphenamine and hydrocortisone for anaphylaxis?

A

Chlorphenamine 10mg IV and hydrocortisone 200mg IV.

25
Q

How is blood pressure managed during anaphylaxis treatment?

A

Monitor continuously and titrate IV fluids (e.g., 0.9% saline) against blood pressure.

26
Q

What should be done if a patient with anaphylaxis has persistent wheezing?

A

Treat for asthma and provide additional respiratory support if necessary.

27
Q

How should anaphylaxis be managed if symptoms recur after initial treatment?

A

Continue monitoring and treatment, possibly including additional doses of adrenaline and other supportive measures, and seek expert help.

28
Q

What precaution should be taken for patients with known β-blocker use?

A

Consider using IV salbutamol instead of adrenaline due to potential β-blocker interference.

29
Q

What is the role of hydrocortisone in the management of anaphylaxis?

A

It helps reduce inflammation and prevent delayed reactions, though it does not provide immediate relief.

30
Q

Why is serum tryptase measured post-anaphylaxis?

A

To confirm anaphylaxis by indicating mast cell activation.

31
Q

What should be included in patient education for anaphylaxis?

A

Training on self-injection of adrenaline, avoidance of known allergens, and wearing a MedicAlert bracelet.

32
Q

How can skin-prick tests be useful for anaphylaxis patients?

A

They help identify specific allergens to avoid by detecting IgE-mediated hypersensitivity.

33
Q

What are the signs of severe respiratory obstruction in anaphylaxis?

A

Stridor, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and cyanosis.

34
Q

What should be done if anaphylaxis symptoms improve but hypotension persists?

A

Admit to ICU, consider IV adrenaline, and use other supportive measures like aminophylline and nebulized salbutamol.

35
Q

How is IV adrenaline administered in a critical situation?

A

Administer at 100mcg/min (0.5mL of 1:10,000 solution) IV, titrated to response, and stop once a response is observed.

36
Q

When should intubation be considered in the management of anaphylaxis?

A

If there is severe respiratory obstruction or failure to maintain airway patency.

37
Q

What role does adrenaline play in anaphylaxis?

A

Adrenaline counteracts the effects of histamine by acting as a vasoconstrictor and bronchodilator, stabilizing the patient’s condition.

38
Q

What is the importance of rapid adrenaline administration in anaphylaxis?

A

Rapid administration is crucial to prevent progression to severe symptoms and improve patient outcomes.

39
Q

How often should the use of self-injected adrenaline be reviewed with patients?

A

Regularly, to ensure proper technique and understanding of when to use it.

40
Q

What are the typical skin findings in anaphylaxis?

A

Urticaria (hives) and angioedema (swelling of deeper layers of skin).

41
Q

How does anaphylaxis affect the cardiovascular system?

A

Causes tachycardia (increased heart rate) and hypotension (low blood pressure) due to vasodilation and capillary leak.

42
Q

What immediate action should be taken if a patient is on a β-blocker and experiences anaphylaxis?

A

Consider using IV salbutamol as β-blockers can reduce the efficacy of adrenaline.

43
Q

What should be done if a patient with anaphylaxis is not improving with adrenaline?

A

Continue adrenaline administration, provide supportive care, and consider additional medications like aminophylline or nebulized salbutamol.

44
Q

What fluid resuscitation is typically used in anaphylaxis?

A

0.9% saline IV, starting with 500mL over 15 minutes and potentially increasing to up to 2L, based on the patient’s blood pressure and clinical status.

45
Q

Why is continuous ECG monitoring important during anaphylaxis management?

A

To detect and manage potential arrhythmias and assess the heart’s response to treatment.

46
Q

How can anaphylaxis lead to respiratory failure?

A

Through bronchospasm, laryngeal edema, and compromised airway patency, which can impede oxygenation and ventilation.

47
Q

What is a common sign of impending respiratory failure in anaphylaxis?

A

Severe stridor or inability to speak due to laryngeal edema.

48
Q

What are the long-term preventive measures after anaphylaxis?

A

Avoidance of known allergens, carrying an adrenaline autoinjector, and having a clear action plan for future allergic reactions.

49
Q

What additional support might be needed for a patient with persistent hypotension after anaphylaxis?

A

Possible admission to ICU for intensive monitoring and treatment, including potential use of IV adrenaline, aminophylline, and nebulized salbutamol.

50
Q

How often should serum tryptase be measured after anaphylaxis?

A

1–6 hours post-reaction to help confirm the diagnosis.

51
Q

What is the importance of raising the patient’s feet during anaphylaxis management?

A

It may help improve venous return and restore circulation in the context of hypotension.

52
Q

What role does adrenaline play in managing anaphylaxis?

A

Acts as a vasoconstrictor to counteract hypotension, a bronchodilator to relieve wheezing, and a stabilizer of mast cell activation to mitigate the allergic reaction.

53
Q

How should patients with a history of severe anaphylaxis be educated about future management?

A

They should be taught to use self-injected adrenaline, recognize early symptoms of anaphylaxis, and seek immediate medical attention.

54
Q

When is it appropriate to use IV adrenaline instead of IM adrenaline?

A

When the patient is in severe shock or has no detectable pulse, requiring immediate, titratable response.

55
Q

What should be considered if symptoms of anaphylaxis recur?

A

Continuous monitoring for potential biphasic reactions and reassessment of the treatment plan, including possible additional doses of adrenaline.

clinical (5 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions