Anaphylaxis Flashcards
If a patient is experiencing anaphylaxis, what may be noticed during assessment of airway?
- swelling
- stridor
If a patient is experiencing anaphylaxis, what may be noticed during assessment of breathing?
- increase breathing rate
- wheezing
If a patient is experiencing anaphylaxis, what may be noticed during assessment of circulation?
- increased heart rate
- weak pulse
- hypotension
If a patient is experiencing anaphylaxis, what may be noticed during assessment of disability?
- loss of consciousness
If a patient is experiencing anaphylaxis, what may be noticed during assessment of exposure?
- rash
- swelling
- urticaria (hives)
What should be done when it is determined someone is experiencing anaphylaxis?
- call for help
- resuscitation team/ambulance
- remove trigger
- if known
- lie patient flat
- can elevate legs
- sitting may also help make breathing easier
- if pregnant, lie on left side
What drug should be administered for a patient experiencing anaphylaxis?
intramuscular adrenaline
What strength and volume of IM adrenaline is used for anaphylaxis?
adrenaline 1:1000, 0.5mg
Where should IM adrenaline be administered?
anterolateral aspect of middle third of the thigh
Once IM adrenaline has been administered for anaphylaxis, what should be done?
- establish airway
- administer high flow oxygen
- apply monitoring if possible
- pulse oximeter
- ECG
- blood pressure cuff
If there is no response to the first IM adrenaline administration, how long should be waited before administering a second?
5 minutes
What are the actions of adrenaline that relieve the symptoms of anaphylaxis?
- vasoconstriction
- bronchodilation
- increased contractility of myocardium
What is anaphylactic shock?
inability to perfuse organs
Why is it important to aspirate before administering IM adrenaline?
can generate arrhythmias
What technique should be used to administer IM adrenaline? How is this performed?
- Z track technique
- spread skin
- advance needle at 90 degrees
- aspirate
- inject for 30 seconds
- pull needle out
- release tension
What type of oxygen should be administered to a patient experiencing anaphylaxis after adrenaline has been administered?
100% oxygen, 15l/min
