Chapter 20 Allergic Reactions Flashcards
Key Terms
something that causes an allergic reaction
Allergen
Key Term
an exaggerated immune response
Allergic Reaction
Key Term
a severe or life-threatening allergic reaction in which the blood vessels dilate, causing a drop in blood pressure, and the tissues lining the respiratory system swell, interfering with the airway. Also called “anaphylactic shock”
Anaphylaxis
Key Term
a syringe preloaded with medication that has a spring-loaded device that pushes the needle through the skin when the tip of the device is pressed firmly against the body.
Auto-Injector
Key Term
a hormone produced by the body. As a medication, it constricts blood vessels and dilates respiratory passages and is used to relieve severe allergic reactions
Epinephrine
Key Term
red, itchy, possibly raised blotches on the skin that often result from allergic reactions
Hives
Critical Decision Making
A patient who has a history of allergy to bee stings and feels her throat “closing up” after a bee sting. Is this an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis?
It is likely that this patient is starting to have an anaphylactic reaction because of the impending compromise of her airway. She needs immediate intervention.
Critical Decision Making
A patient who reports an unknown allergy and feels like his skin is “just itching all over”. Is this an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis?
This patient is likely having an allergic reaction. Because there is no respiratory distress or signs of symptoms of shock, you would not consider this as anaphylaxis.
Critical Decision Making
A patient who has an “allergy” to dairy products and reports an upset stomach and diarrhea. Is this an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis?
This patient is likely having an allergic reaction. Because there is no respiratory distress or signs or symptoms of shock. You would not consider this as anaphylaxis.
Critical Decision Making
A patient who is allergic to peanuts and has swelling of the face and neck, difficulty breathing, and a rapid pulse. Is this an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis?
This patient is likely experiencing anaphylaxis because of the difficulty breathing. She needs immediate intervention.
Critical Decision Making
A patient who is allergic to penicillin but accidentally took a medication containing penicillin; patient is dizzy but has stable vital signs. Is this an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis?
This patient is likely having an allergic reaction because there is no respiratory distress or signs or symptoms of shock, you would not consider this as anaphylaxis.
Short Answer
What are the indications for administration of an epinephrine auto-injector?
The indications for the administration of an epinephrine auto-injector include the following: patient exhibits the signs of an allergic reaction, medication is prescribed for the patient by a physician, and medical direction authorizes its use for the patient.
Short Answer
List some of the more common causes of allergic reactions.
Some of the more common causes of allergic reactions include:
- Insect bites and stings from bees, yellow jackets, and wasps.
- Foods such as nuts, eggs, shellfish, and milk.
- Plants such as poison ivy, poison oak, and plant pollen.
- Medications such as penicillin and other antibiotics.
- Other things such as dust, chemicals, soaps, and makeup.
Short Answer
List signs or symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction associated with each of the following:
- Skin
- Respiratory system
- Cardiovascular system
Signs and symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction involving the skin, respiratory system, and cardiovascular system might include:
- Skin: itching; hives; red skin; swelling of the face; warm, tingling feeling in the face, mouth, chest, feet, and hands.
- Respiratory system: tightness in the throat or chest; cough; rapid breathing; labored, noisy breathing; hoarseness, muffled voice, or loss of voice; stridor; wheezing.
- Cardiovascular system: increased heart rate, decreased blood pressure.
