Chapter 13-Distributive Shock Anaphylactic & Psychogenic Flashcards
What is anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis, or anaphylactic shock, occurs when a person reacts quickly to a substance to which he or she has been sensitized.
What does sensitization mean?
Sensitization means becoming sensitive to a substance that did not initially cause a reaction.
Each subsequent exposure after sensitization tends to produce _____
a more severe reaction
What are the four common categories of exposure that can cause severe allergic reactions?
- Injections (tetanus antitoxin, penicillin)
- Stings (wasps, bees, hornets, ants)
- Ingestion (fish, shellfish, nuts, eggs, medication)
- Inhalation (dust, pollen, mold)
How quickly can anaphylactic reactions develop after contact with an allergen?
Anaphylactic reactions can develop within minutes after contact.
What is a late sign of anaphylactic shock?
Cyanosis (blue discoloration of the skin) is a late sign.
What are the signs of poor oxygenation and perfusion in anaphylactic shock?
The patient may appear ashen or gray.
In anaphylactic shock, what occurs instead of loss of blood or vascular damage?
There is widespread vascular dilation, increased permeability, and bronchoconstriction.
What may easily prove fatal in anaphylactic shock?
The combination of poor oxygenation and poor perfusion.
What characterizes psychogenic shock?
A sudden reaction of the nervous system that produces temporary, generalized vasodilation, resulting in fainting.
What causes syncope during psychogenic shock?
Blood pools in the dilated vessels, reducing the blood supply to the brain.
What should be monitored in patients with skin findings such as hives?
Monitor for the development of other findings that suggest anaphylaxis.
What are some serious causes of syncope?
- Irregular heartbeat
- Brain aneurysm
Fill in the blank: Non-life-threatening events that cause syncope include receiving bad news, experiencing ________, or encountering an unpleasant sight.
[tear]
What should those experiencing syncope receive?
A full assessment.
