Chapter 21 - Anaphylactic Reactions

Question 1

allergen

Answer 1

a substance (antigen) that enters the body by ingestion, injection, or absorption and triggers an allergic reaction. See also antigen

Question 2

allergic reaction

Answer 2

a misdirected and excessive response by the immune system to a foreign substance or an allergen

Question 3

anaphylactic shock

Answer 3

a shock (hypoperfusion) state that results from dilated and leaking blood vessels related to severe allergic reaction. Also called anaphylaxis or anaphylactic reaction.

Question 4

anaphylactoid reaction

Answer 4

a reaction to a foreign substance that resembles an anaphylactic reaction that may occur on first exposure to the substance, without immune system sensitization.

Question 5

anaphylaxis

Answer 5

another term for anaphylactic reaction. See anaphylactic reaction.

Question 6

antibodies

Answer 6

special proteins produced by the immune system that search out antigens and combine with and help to destroy them

Question 7

antigen

Answer 7

a foreign substance that enters the body and triggers an immune response. See also allergen.

Question 8

auto-injector

Answer 8

a device with a concealed, spring loaded needle, used for injecting a single dose of medication. An epinephrine auto injector is often prescribed to patients with a history of anaphylactic reaction.

Question 9

endotracheal intubation

Answer 9

placement of a tube down the trachea to facilitate airflow into the trachea and lungs

Question 10

epinephrine

Answer 10

a natural hormone that, when used as a medication, constricts blood vessels to improve blood pressure, reduces leakage from blood vessels, relaxes smooth muscle in the bronchioles (causes bronchodilation), and increases the heart rate and force of ventricular contractions.

Question 11

histamine

Answer 11

the primary chemical mediator released from the mast cells in an anaphylactic reaction

Question 12

hives

Answer 12

raised, red blotches associated with allergic and anaphylactic reactions

Question 13

hypersensitivity

Answer 13

a state of altered reactivity to an antigen, or foreign substance, that causes allergic reactions to that substance. See also sensitization.

Question 14

immune response

Answer 14

production of antibodies by the immune system to fight off invasion by foreign substances

Question 15

immune system

Answer 15

the body’s defense mechanism against invasion by foreign substances

Question 16

malaise

Answer 16

a general feeling of weakness or discomfort

Question 17

non-IgE-mediated reaction

Answer 17

a reaction to a foreign substance that resembles an anaphylactic reaction that may occur on first exposure to the substance, without immune system sensitization. See also anaphylactoid reaction.

Question 18

sensitization

Answer 18

exposure to an allergen that results in hypersensitivity to that allergen. See also hypersensitivity.