Drug Allergies

Question 1

Occurs when the body forms antibodies to a particular drug,
causing an immune response when the person is re-exposed to
the drug.

Answer 1

Drug Allergy

Question 2

Four main
classifications of Drug Allergies:

Answer 2

*Anaphylactic reactions
* Cytotoxic reactions
* Serum sickness
* Delayed reactions

Question 3

This allergy involves an
antibody that reacts with
specific sites in the body
to cause the release of
chemicals, including
histamine, that produce
immediate reactions
(mucous membrane
swelling and constricting
bronchi) that can lead
to respiratory distress and
even respiratory arrest.

Answer 3

Anaphylactic reactions

Question 4

This allergy involves
antibodies that
circulate in the blood
and attack antigens
(the drug) on cell
sites, causing death of
that cell. This reaction
is not immediate but
may be seen over a
few days

Answer 4

Cytotoxic reactions

Question 5

This allergy involves
antibodies that
circulate in the blood
and cause damage
to various tissues by
depositing in blood
vessels. This reaction
may occur up to 1 wk
or more after
exposure to the drug.

Answer 5

Serum sickness reaction

Question 6

This reaction
occurs several
hours after
exposure and
involves
antibodies that
are bound to
specific white
blood cells.

Answer 6

Delayed Allergic Reaction

Question 7

Three types of nursing interventions are frequently involved in drug therapy:

Answer 7

• drug administration
• provision of comfort measures
• patient/family education.