Module 17: allergies and anaphylaxis Flashcards
What is an allergic reaction?
Immune response to an agent
What is anaphylaxis?
extreme, life threatening allergic reaction that may cause swelling to lips and tongue, cardiovascular collapse, respiratory failure and/or shock.
Most deaths from anaphylaxis occur within ___ minutes
thirty
If the body determines that an antigen is a threat, the body will…
mount an inflammatory response and release chemical mediators (ex. histamine, leukotrienes)
What lung sounds may be heard during anaphylaxis? Why?
Wheezing, due to vasoconstriction and bronchospasm that may occur during anaphylaxis
Describe how the heart may react during anaphylaxis?
decreased output, decreased coronary flow.
How might blood vessels react during anaphylaxis?
vasodilation and leakiness.
Why is it important for the EMT to remain suspicious during a possible allergic reaction?
Pt may not know they have an allergy, especially because the first time you are exposed to something they may not have a reaction.
Describe the consequences of these responses
vasodilation
bronchoconstriction
capillary leaking
swelling to upper airway
vasodilation=hypotension
bronchoconstriction= wheezing
capillary leaking= hypotension
swelling to upper airway= stridor
Name symptoms of cardiovascular collapse
Low BP
Face, lips, tongue swelling
Dizziness
Name symptoms of respiratory distress during anaphylaxis
Wheezing
Stridor
Dyspnea
In the setting of a known exposure to an allergen associated GI symptoms, consider anaphylaxis in consult with ____
medical control
How should you remove a stinger?
A credit card, scraping back and forth
Can you repeat an epi dose? When?
Yes, five minutes if symptoms are not improving. This is on standing order.
Where on the thigh should epi be adminstered?
Anterior lateral thigh
Name the epinephrine dose for adults and children? state both mg and mL
adults (>=66)=0.3 mg or 0.3mL
kids (<66)=0.15 or 0.15mL
What are the three symptoms of anaphylaxis in patients that do NOT have a history of anaphylaxis EMTs may administer epi for?
Severe respiratory distress
Hypoperfusion
Facial/oral edema
What are the four symptoms of anaphylaxis in patients that DO have a history of anaphylaxis EMTs may administer epi for?
Severe respiratory distress
Hypoperfusion
Facial/oral edema
RASH
For autoinjectors, how long should they be held into thigh?
three seconds
If patient is wheezing, you may adminster ____. __ doses are permissible, but it should be administered ____ epinephrine.
albuterol, three, after
When should you request ALS if you suspect anaphylaxis?
ASAP
A raised, swollen, well-defined area on the skin that is the result of an insect bite or sting is called:
purpura
uriticaria
a wheal
a pustule
wheal
What is the most common trigger for anaphylaxis?
medications
chemicals
plants
food
food
You administered one dose of epinephrine at 1012hrs to a 20-year-old female to treat suspected anaphylaxis that she developed after being stung by a bee. Your reassessment at 1017hrs reveals that she is still having difficulty breathing, has a decreasing mental status, and has a BP of 80/50 mm Hg. You should:
give another dose of epinephrine on standing order
Chemicals that are responsible for the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction to a bee sting are called
adrenaline and histamines
the bee venom itself
histamines and leukotrienes
leukocytes and epinephrine
histamines and leukotrienes
You are called to a 22-year-old male who is experiencing hives after eating peanuts. He denies any allergies.
His lung sounds are clear, his blood pressure is 110/72, his heart rate of 102, and his respirations are 20. He is complaining of being “really itchy”. Which of the following choices would be your best treatment plan per NYS protocol?
administer epinephrine
monitor and transport pt
administer albuterol
monitor and transport pt
Which lung sound indicates swelling of the upper airway?
stridor
