Anaphylaxis_Flashcards
How should anaphylaxis be treated?
As a medical emergency
What approach should be used to assess anaphylaxis?
ABC Approach
What should be checked in the Airway assessment for anaphylaxis?
Look for and relieve obstruction, intubate if necessary
What should be checked in the Breathing assessment for anaphylaxis?
Check whether breathing is normal
What should be done if the patient is unresponsive and not breathing normally?
Start CPR immediately and ensure help is on the way because advanced life support is essential
What should be done if CPR is not required?
Examine chest for signs of airway obstruction, check pulse and blood pressure for circulatory collapse, check skin and inside the mouth for urticaria and angio-oedema
What position should the patient be placed in if there is airway and breathing difficulty?
Sitting up
What position should the patient be placed in if there is low blood pressure or feeling faint?
Lying flat with/without leg elevation
What position should the patient be placed in if they are breathing but unconscious?
Recovery position
What is the dosage and administration route for adrenaline in anaphylaxis?
IM adrenaline 1:1000, given in the anterolateral aspect of the thigh
How should the response to adrenaline be assessed?
Assess response after 5 minutes and repeat IM injection at 5-minute intervals until there has been an adequate response
Should IV adrenaline be given in primary care for anaphylaxis?
No, IV adrenaline should not be given in primary care (except in cases of cardiopulmonary arrest)
What should be done if a trigger is identified?
Remove the trigger if possible, e.g., stinger after a bee sting
What supportive treatments should be given in anaphylaxis?
High flow oxygen, IV fluids, IV chlorphenamine 10 mg, and IV hydrocortisone 200 mg
How should you explain anaphylaxis to the patient or their family?
Explain that it is a severe allergic reaction, the priority is to treat the reaction and stabilize the patient, they will be referred to an allergy clinic for further tests, and future management (e.g., carrying an EpiPen) will be discussed
