Hypersensitvity. Anaphylactic Shock

Question 1

What is anaphylactic shock caused by and what is it?

Answer 1

Caused by an allergen such as eggs, peanuts, milk, snake venom, or a bee sting and is a type of SIRS

Question 2

What is the shock table for anaphylactic shock?

Answer 2

BP↓ HR↑ CO↑ CVP↓ SVR↓

Question 3

What are clinical manifestations of anaphylactic shock?

Answer 3

1. Hypoxemia
2. Wheezing –> no air movement
3. Diaphoresis
4. Angioedema
5. Bronchoconstriction

Question 4

How does angioedema occur during an anaphylactic shock?

Answer 4

the body has created antibodies very quickly –> massive vasodilation–> swelling and leaking of blood vessels

Question 5

In what order should medications be given in during an anaphylactic shock?

Answer 5

1. Epinephrine
2. IV fluids
3. Antihistamine
4. Steroid
5. Bronchodilator
6. Pain Management
7. Histamine II Blocker

Question 6

What are major information points about epineprhine that the nurse should know when dealing with a client who has an anaphylactic shock?

Answer 6

Epinephrine is the first line drug to be given during an anaphylactic shock because it is a rapid vasoconstrictor and bronchodilator
It is given IM/SQ rather than IV because it will absorb a little slower and does not increase HR as much
You will have to give epinephrine every 3-5 minutes because it has a short half life and also because the allergen will last longer then the medication

Question 7

What is an example of an antihistamine used during an anaphylactic shock?

Answer 7

diphenhydramine

Question 8

What is an example of a steroid used during an anaphylactic shock?

Answer 8

methylprednisolone