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30 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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Define "allergic reaction" |
An exaggerated immune response
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Define "allergen"
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Something that causes an allergic reaction
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Define "anaphylaxis"
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A severe or life threatening allergic reaction in which the blood vessels dilate, causing a drop in blood pressure, and the tissues lining the respiratory system swell, interfering with the airway. Also called "anaphylactic shock."
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What are the two most pronounced effects of anaphylaxis (anaphylactic shock?)
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Blood pressure drop due to dilation of blood vessels
Swelling of tissues lining the airway, causing respiratory distress |
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What do all allergic reactions have in common?
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The body does NOT have an allergic reaction the FIRST time it's exposed to an allergen, because the immune system hasn't "learned" to recognize the allergen yet.
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What happens the first time somebody is exposed to an allergen?
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The immune system forms antibodies to attack the allergen.
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What happens the second time somebody is exposed to an allergen?
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The antibodies formed specifically to combat that allergen combine with the allergen, which leads to the release of certain chemicals that cause dilation of blood vessels, swelling, and difficulty breathing.
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Define "auto-injector."
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A spring-loaded needle and syringe that administer a dose of epinephrine upon being pressed against the body (thigh). Certain individuals prone to severe reactions carry them.
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What is epinephrine?
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A hormone that constricts blood vessels and dilates respiratory passages.
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What are signs and symptoms of an allergic reactions?
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On the skin:
Itching Hives Flushing Swelling Warmth Respiratory: Tightness in throat Rapid breathing Cough Labored breathing Hoarseness Stridor Cardiac: Increased heart rate (early) Decreased heart rate (late) General: Itchy, watery eyes Headache Runny nose Sense of impending doom SIGNS OF SHOCK |
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What signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction can be seen/felt on the skin?
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Itching
Hives Flushing Swelling Warmth |
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What signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction can be seen/felt in the respiratory system?
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Tightness in throat
Rapid breathing Cough Labored breathing Hoarseness Stridor |
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What are the two most important steps to take when caring for a patient in anaphylactic shock?
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1) Manage airway and breathing
2) Consider assisting with epinephrine - consult medical direction for the order to administer if indications for epinephrine are present |
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What five conditions must be met in order for an EMT to assist with administration of epinephrine?
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1) Respiratory distress
2) Signs and symptoms of shock 3) Signs of allergic reaction 4) Physician has prescribed epinephrine 5) Medical control authorizes it |
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What four steps must you take in order to administer an epinephrine auto-injector properly?
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1) Check liquid to make sure it's clear
2) Remove cap 3) Press injector firmly against patient's thigh near the midpoint 4) Follow local protocols |
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Is it necessary to remove clothing prior to administration of an epinephrine auto-injector?
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No, unless several layers of clothing are present
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What are four common categories of allergens?
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1) Insect
2) Foods 3) Plants 4) Medications |
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To what insects are people commonly allergic?
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Bees, yellow jackets, wasps, hornets
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To what foods are people commonly allergic?
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Nuts, eggs, milk, shellfish.
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What are five possible side effects of epinephrine?
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1) Increased heart rate
2) Pallor 3) Chest pain 4) Anxiety, dizziness 5) Vomiting |
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Which allergic reactions generally have a quicker onset: those to insects or those to foods?
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Allergic reactions to INSECTS usually have a quicker onset. However, peanuts are an exception. Reactions to peanuts can be extremely fast and severe.
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To what plants are people commonly allergic?
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Poison ivy, poison sumac, poison oak.
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Approximately what percentage of the population is allergic to the oil on poison ivy leaves?
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60-70% (or two-thirds)
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Are pollen and plant oils a common cause of anaphylactic shock?
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No.
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What medications commonly elicit an allergic reaction?
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Antitoxins, antibiotics (penicillin)
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What miscellaneous allergens cause allergic reactions in a substantial part of the population?
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Dust
Chemicals Soaps Makeup Latex |
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What should you do if you discover you're allergic to latex?
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Avoid contact with latex, or your reactions will get worse.
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What types of patients are more likely to have allergic reactions to latex?
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Patients with conditions that require multiple surgeries
Health care professionals |
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What should you do if your hands are red and itchy after a call?
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Explore the possibility that you're developing an allergy to latex. Speak with your physician. Ensure access to latex-free surgical gloves.
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What are hives?
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Red, itchy, possibly raised blotches on the skin that often result from allergic reactions
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