ch21 (allergy+anaphylaxis) Flashcards
immunology
study of the body’s immune system
immune system
protects the body from foreign substances and organisms
allergic reaction
exaggerated immune response to an internal or surface agent
immune response
body’s response to a foreign substance
histamines
chemical substance released by the immune system in allergic reactions; responsible for symptoms of anaphylaxis
leukotrienes
chemical substance released the immune system in allergic reactions; responsible for symptoms anaphylaxis
allergen
substance that causes an allergic reaction
anaphylaxis
life-threatening allergic reaction; can lead to shock and respiratory failure
urticaria
small areas of itching or burning; small raised areas on the skin (hives)
angioedema
areas of localized swelling
wheezing
high-pitched whistling sound, heard on expiration
-lower airway obstruction
stridor
high-pitched sound hear during inspiration
-upper airway obstruction
envenomation
the act of injecting venom
toxin
harmful substance produced by living cells or organisms
wheal
raised, swollen well-defined area on the skin
signs+symptoms of insect stings and bites:
pain, swelling, localized heat, urticaria, redness, itchiness, wheal
the definitive treatment for shock resulting in anaphylaxis is…
epinephrine and then transport AFTER epinephrine is given
epinephrine
hormone that mimics the fight-or-flight response; sympathomimetic
indications of epinephrine
severe allergic reaction causing airway, breathing or circulatory compromise or anaphylaxis
contraindications of epinephrine
if it is not a life-threatening emergency; contact medical control if PT has history of heart disease or acute coronary syndrome
actions of epinephrine
vasoconstriction, increased BP, bronchodilation, pulse rate increases
side effects of epinephrine
tachycardia, sweating, pale skin, dizziness, headaches, palpitations
dose of epinephrine for adults
0.3 mg
dose of epinephrine for children
0.15 mg
where should you place the tip of the auto-injector?
lateral part of thigh, between groin and knee
if the patient’s signs and symptoms do not improve after 5 minutes and the patient has another auto-injector you should…
consider assisting with a second dose (final dose)
if the patient’s signs and symptoms do not improve after 5 minutes and the patient has another auto-injector you should…
consider assisting with a second dose (final dose)
you hold the epipen injector for how long?
10 seconds and then rub the area (this makes sure it gets into the muscle)
