Chapter 20-Immunologic Emergencies Flashcards
What are allergic reactions?
Exaggerated immune responses to foreign substances
What chemicals are released when the body has an allergic reaction?
Histamines and leukotrienes
What are the two most common signs of anaphylaxis?
Uticaria and angioedema
What are some signs of anaphylaxis other than uticaria and engioedema?
Wheezing, hypotension, and GI dysfunction
What causes wheezing in anaphylaxis?
Bronchospasms/bronchoconstriction
What are the five common allergen groups?
Food, chemicals, plants, bugs, and medications
What are common food allergies?
Peanuts and shellfish
What are common medication allergies?
Antibiotics (penicillin) or NSAIDs
What are common plant allergies?
Pollen, dust, ryegrass, ragweed, mildew, mold, maple, oak
What are common insect allergies?
Bees, ants, wasps, hornet, tick, yellowjacket
How long does it take for food allergies to manifest?
over 30 minutes
How long does it take for IV medication allergies to manifest? Oral?
Under 30 minutes, over 30 minutes
People can die from anaphylactic shock due to insect stings within _____ so rapid transport is paramount.
30 minutes
What are signs and symptoms of insect stings?
localized swelling, sudden pain, localized heat, coughing, dyspnea, GI complaints, hypotension
When doing SAMPLE and OPQRST for a suspected allergic reaction, what other four questions should you ask?
- Have any interventions already been taken?
- Have you had an allergic reaction in the past? What happened?
- GI complaints?
- Last oral intake?
Signs and symptoms associated with the respiratory system?
Runny nose, sneezing, dyspnea, tightness in chest, dry couch, rapid/labored breaths, wheezing/stridor
Signs and symptoms associated with cardiovascular system?
Early tachycardia, red/hot skin (early), cool/pale skin (later), late hypotension
Signs and symptoms associated with the skin
Flushed/itchy/burning skin, uticaria, swelling, cyanosis around lips, warm/tingling face/chest/mouth/hands/feet
Other signs and symptoms
AMS due to hypoperfusion, GI issues, anxiety, nausea
What type of hormone is epinephrine?
Sympathomimetic: it mimics the sympathetic (fight or flight) response
What does epinephrine trigger?
vessel constriction, increasing cardiac contractions, relieving bronchospasms
Indications of epinephrine?
Severe anaphylactic reaction causing ABC compromise
Contraindications of epinephrine?
history of heart disease/acute coronary syndrome
Side effects of epinephrine?
tachycardia, sweating, plae skin, dizziness, headache, palpitations
Dose of epinephrine?
0.3 mg (adult) 0.15 mg (child)
How do you administer epinephrine?
Check expiration date remove safety cap wipe leg with antiseptic push pen against leg hold for 10 seconds rub area for 10 seconds record time of administration
