PCTH - Analgesia & Allergic Reaction Flashcards
What is epinephrine?
- a catecholamine secreted by the adrenal medulla; is classified as a sympathomimetic
- aka adrenaline
- part of your fight or flight response (part of SNS)
What is the concentration of epinephrine carried on the trucks?
1:1000
1 gram: 1000ml (the ml of that current solution needed to make 1 gram of the drug) ⇒ this also equates to 1mg/ml
What receptors does epinephrine act on and what are the resulting effects?
alpha and beta effects
A1 receptor: Peripheral vasoconstriction
A2 receptor: dilation of coronary arteries
B1 receptor: increase HR and contractility (so increased BP)
B2 receptor: Bronchodilation
Delivery methods for epinephrine
injection
nebulized (for resp emergencies like croup, asthma)
What is diphenhydramine?
- aka Benadryl
- one of the first known anti-histamines
- used for tx of moderate allergic reactions
- found in OTC sleep aids (drowsiness a side effect of benadryl)
If moderate allergic reaction, a paramedic gives:
If severe allergic reaction, a paramedic gives:
moderate: benadryl
severe: epinephrine and then benadryl
Moderate to Severe Allergic Reaction Medical Directive
Indication
Conditions
Contraindications
Indications:
- exposure to a probable allergen; AND
- S/S of a moderate to severe allergic reaction (including anaphylaxis)
Conditions:
- Epinephrine: for anaphylaxis only
- Diphenhydramine: weight is ≥25kg
Contraindications
- Epinephrine: allergy/sensitivity to epinephrine
- Diphenhydramine: allergy/sensitivity to diphenhydramine
Moderate to Severe Allergic Reaction Medical Directive
Treatment
Clinical Considerations
Treatment:
-
Epinephrine
- __Route: IM
- Concentration: 1mg/mL (1:1000)
- Dose: 0.01mg/kg* (may round to nearest 0.05mg)
- Dosing interval: minimum 5 min
- Max # of doses: 2
-
Diphenhydramine
- __Weight ≥25kg to <50 kg ⇒ give 25mg IV/IM (max single dose 25mg, max 1 dose)
- Weight ≥ 50kg ⇒ give 50 mg IV/IM (max single dose 50mg, max 1 dose)
Clinical Considerations:
1) Epinephrine administration takes priority over IV access.
2) IV administration of diphenhydramine applies only to PCPs authorized for PCP autonomous IV
What body systems are involved with an allergic reaction and what signs and symptoms would present?
1) Integumentary: hives, itching, flushing, swelling, angioedema
2) Cardiovascular: Increased HR, decreased BP, syncope, decreased LOC, hypoxemia
3) Respiratory: SOB, wheeze, cough, stridor
4) GI: cramping, N/V/D
Primary treatment for a minor to moderate allergic reaction
- diphenhydramine - slow onset
- relieves Sx (itching, flushing, urticaria, angioedema, eye and nasal symptoms)
- DOES NOT prevent or relieve upper airway obstruction, hypotension shock
- Note: Severe symptoms to a single body system (resp system, CV system) should be considered as a severe allergic reaction
True or False. Some patients may present with a biphasic reaction within 72 hours of the initial symptoms having resolved without further exposure to an allergen
True
High risk patient groups for anaphylaxis
very young and very old
Hx of asthma
Hx of cardiovascular disease
Hx of mast cell disease
Treatment for anaphylactic reaction
PRIMARY
- epinephrine - 1:1000 IM
- fast onset - will increase BP, prevent and relieves hypotension, decreases upper airway obstruction, decreases wheezing, decreases urticardia and angioedema
SECONDARY TX:
- diphenhydramine IV/IM
Patient administrated epinephrine but both of his epipens prior to paramedic arrival, approximately 10 minutes ago. How many more is the paramedic allowed to give?
as many as your directive allows :)
you can always max out your directive BUT if you show up and say they literally JUST took their epi, maybe wait a bit and see how they respond
Steps to prepare giving epinephrine.
1) Go through your 5 rights and check epinephrine - dose, name, expiry etc.
2) open epi ampule
3) draw up epi
4) delivere - vastus lateralis or deltoid
If patient is 0 to 5 months, how much epinephrine are you administering (weight unknown)?
If patient is 6 months to 1 year, how much epinephrine are you administering (weight unknown)?
0 to 5 months: 0.05 mg
6 mos to < 1 year: 0.1mg
The trucks carry Benadryl in what form/concentration?
50mg/mL