Anaphylaxis (MCQ)

Question 1

Describe what anaphylaxis is ?

Answer 1

This is a form of allergic reaction, which happens when the bodies immune system acts against its organs when it is presented with a substance that it sees as a threat mistakenly

Question 2

What is an anaphylaxis reaction ?

Answer 2

This is caused by the interaction between the immunoglobulin E (IgE) and the allergen being ingested which then cause a reaction
Very small amounts of the allergen can cause a reaction

Question 3

What are the effects of anaphylaxis ?

Answer 3

The blood vessels become swollen due to chemicals released in the body it will mainly effect the lungs
A fall in blood pressure (hypotensive)

Question 4

Name the three types of anaphylactic reactions

Answer 4

Uni- phasic
Bi-phasic
Protracted

Question 5

What is a uni-phasic reaction ?

Answer 5

Reaction happens quickly
Symptoms worsen quickly
Symptoms go away and don’t return when treated

Question 6

What is a bi-phasic reaction ?

Answer 6

The reaction can be mild or severe,
Period of no symptoms then an increase to the symptoms such as breathing or blood pressure issues

(Up, down, up)

Question 7

What is a protracted reaction ?

Answer 7

Reaction can last for days, may not need hospital treatment for some time after exposure

Question 8

How many people will develop a red rash or angioedema ?

Answer 8

80%

Question 9

Signs and symptoms of anaphylactic reaction ?

Answer 9

Sudden onset/rapid progression
Life threatening airways and/or breathing and/or circulatory issues
Skin flushing
Mucosal changes

Question 10

What assessment would you use when presented with an anaphylactic reaction ?

Answer 10

ABCDE assessment

Question 11

What does ABCDE assessment asses for ?

Answer 11

A - airways
B - breathing
C - circulation
D - disability
E - exposure

Question 12

Name some treatments for anyphylactic reactions

Answer 12

Oxygen - to achieve >94% sats
Adrenaline - adults 500micrograms, child depends on age (between 100-500micrograms)
Fluids - in presence of hypotensive shock (Hartmanns, adult 500-1000ml, child 10ml per/kg)

Question 13

Why would you use adrenaline in an anaphylactic reaction ?

Answer 13

To rule out asthma as they present the same symptoms, especially in children

Question 14

What is SEPSIS 6 ?

Answer 14

1. Give oxygen
2. Give fluids
3. Broad spectrum IV antibiotics
4. Take blood for cultures
5. Take bloods for lactate level
6. Monitor urine output