Anaphylaxis_Flashcards COPY

Question 1

How should anaphylaxis be treated?

Answer 1

As a medical emergency

Question 2

What approach should be used to assess anaphylaxis?

Answer 2

ABC Approach

Question 3

What should be checked in the Airway assessment for anaphylaxis?

Answer 3

Look for and relieve obstruction, intubate if necessary

Question 4

What should be checked in the Breathing assessment for anaphylaxis?

Answer 4

Check whether breathing is normal

Question 5

What should be done if the patient is unresponsive and not breathing normally?

Answer 5

Start CPR immediately and ensure help is on the way because advanced life support is essential

Question 6

What should be done if CPR is not required?

Answer 6

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

Question 7

What position should the patient be placed in if there is airway and breathing difficulty?

Answer 7

Sitting up

Question 8

What position should the patient be placed in if there is low blood pressure or feeling faint?

Answer 8

Lying flat with/without leg elevation

Question 9

What position should the patient be placed in if they are breathing but unconscious?

Answer 9

Recovery position

Question 10

What is the dosage and administration route for adrenaline in anaphylaxis?

Answer 10

IM adrenaline 1:1000, given in the anterolateral aspect of the thigh

Question 11

How should the response to adrenaline be assessed?

Answer 11

Assess response after 5 minutes and repeat IM injection at 5-minute intervals until there has been an adequate response

Question 12

Should IV adrenaline be given in primary care for anaphylaxis?

Answer 12

No, IV adrenaline should not be given in primary care (except in cases of cardiopulmonary arrest)

Question 13

What should be done if a trigger is identified?

Answer 13

Remove the trigger if possible, e.g., stinger after a bee sting

Question 14

What supportive treatments should be given in anaphylaxis?

Answer 14

High flow oxygen, IV fluids, IV chlorphenamine 10 mg, and IV hydrocortisone 200 mg

Question 15

How should you explain anaphylaxis to the patient or their family?

Answer 15

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

Question 16

What actions should be taken while waiting for help during anaphylaxis?

Answer 16

Check the airway, lie the patient flat, raise legs, administer adrenaline into the thigh or arm (repeat after 5 mins if no response), call an ambulance