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13 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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Allergic Reaction |
An immune response that is exaggerated. |
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Allergen |
Something that caused allergic reaction. Can be almost anything. |
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Anaphylaxis Shock |
Severe allergic reaction that includes respiratory destress. Blood vessels dilate Cells leak fluid Drop in B/P Tissues swell Swelling respiratory tract |
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Causes of allergic reactions |
Insects - bees, wasps, yellow jackets, hornets.
Foods - nuts, eggs, milk, shellfish.
Plants - poison oak, poison ivy, poison sumac.
Medications - penicillin
Others - dust, chemicals, soaps, makeup, variety other substances.
Possible allergen is latex. Need latex free environment. |
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Allergic Reactions |
Inside:
• First exposure forms antibodies
• Second exposure antibody combines with allergen leading to release of histamine into blood stream.
• Leads to dilation if blood vessels, decreased ability of capillaries to retain fluid, bronchoconstriction, and production of thick mucus.
Outside:
• Dilation reduces amount of blood returning to heart
• Decreased cardiac output, and increased risk of shock.
• Skin becomes flushed
• Leaky capillaries lead to swelling especially at injection
• Urticaria - hives, red, itchy, raised blotches on skin
• Bronchial constriction leading to wheezing, difficult breathing, thick mucus.
• Irritation of nerve endings leads to itching.
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An allergic reaction can turn into anaphylaxis in minutes. |
Be prepared to manage airway and administer epinephrine if advised by medical director. |
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Signs snd Symptoms of allergic reaction or anaphylactic shock. |
Skin:
• Itching • Hives • Flushing • Swelling of face • Warm, tingling in face, mouth, chest, hands, feet.
Respiratory:
• Tightness throat or chest • Cough • Rapid breathing • Labored, noisy breathing • Hoarseness, muffled voice, loss entirely. • Stridor • Wheezing
Cardiac:
• Increased heart rate • Decreased B/P
Generalized feeling:
• Itchy, watery eyes • Headache • Runny nose • Impending doom
Signs and Symptoms of shock:
• Altered mental status • Flushed, dry skin or pale, cool, clammy • Nausea or vomiting • Changes in vitals - increased pulse and respirations, decreased B/P |
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Distinguishing Anaphylaxis from mild Allergic Reaction |
To be considered anaphylaxis patient must have either respiratory distress or shock. |
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Patient Assessment - Allergic Reaction or Anaphylaxis |
Sequence as follows:
1. Perform primary assessment and deal with life threatening issues.
2. Secondary assessment: • History of allergies • What exposed to • How exposed • What signs and symptoms • Progression • Interventions
3. Assess baseline vitals and remainder past history. |
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Patient Care - Allergic reaction or Anaphylaxis |
1. Manage airway. High con O2 If not breathing adequately ventilate.
2. Assist patient with epi-pen. Consider following: Problems in past Respiratory destress Shock Prescribed injector (6Rs) Contact medical director Transport Reassess after 2 min record
Problems in past but no respiratory destress or shock, continue assessment Contact medical director Physician may choose to give injection anyway
Perform care for shock and transport immediately.
Consider requesting ALS intercept. |
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Self administered epinephrine |
When administered as a medication will constrict blood vessels, raise B/P, dilate bronchialconstriction.
2 min after injection should expect pulse to increase and relief of symptoms.
Epinephrine makes heart beat more strongly. Beneficial when patient is hypo perfused.
If dosage is to high heart will work harder then is needed. This is reason epinephrine is only given to patients that have prescription.
Localized allergic reactions should not receive epinephrine.
Important to recognize respiratory distress or shock. However only one has to be present to be anaphylaxis. |
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Addition doses epinephrine |
Some carry two injectors or are twin injectors.
Need medical directors permission. |
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Two sizes - adult and jr |
Adult - .3mg Jr - .15mg
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