Use LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys to navigate between flashcards;
Use UP and DOWN arrow keys to flip the card;
H to show hint;
A reads text to speech;
26 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
Name four possible causes of allergic reactions |
-Insects -Foods -Plants -Medications Ch. 20, pg. 560-561 |
|
Skin signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction or anaphylactic shock: |
-Itching -Hives -Flushing -Swelling of the face -Warm, tingling feeling in the face, mouth, chest, feet, and hands Ch. 20, pg. 563 |
|
Respiratory signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction or anaphylactic shock: |
-Patient may report a feeling of tightness in the throat or chest -Cough -Rapid breathing -Labored, noisy breathing -Hoarseness, muffled voice, or loss of voice entirely -Stridor -Wheezing Ch. 20, pg. 563 |
|
Cardiac signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction or anaphylactic shock: |
-Increased heart rate -Decreased blood pressure Ch. 20, pg. 563 |
|
Generalized signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction or anaphylactic shock |
-Itchy, watery eyes -Headache -Runny nose -Patient expresses a sense of impending doom Ch. 20, pg. 563 |
|
"To be considered a severe allergic reaction, or anaphylaxis, the patient must have either ________________ or _________________." |
-Respiratory distress -Signs and symptoms of shock Ch. 20, pg. 563 |
|
Common respiratory complaints in anaphylaxis |
-Moderate to severe dyspnea -Tightness in chest Ch. 20, pg. 564 |
|
Common respiratory sounds in anaphylaxis |
-Wheezing -Muffled voice -Stridor Ch. 20, pg. 564 |
|
Common skin textures in anaphylaxis |
Generalized hives Ch. 20, pg. 564 |
|
Common skin colors in anaphylaxis |
-Generalized pallor -Flushed skin Ch. 20, pg. 564 |
|
Common swelling areas in anaphylaxis |
-Face -Lips -Eyes -Tongue -Mouth -Injection site Ch. 20, pg. 564 |
|
Common vital signs in anaphylaxis |
-Tachycardia -Hypotension -Tachypnea -Decreased oxygen saturation Ch. 20, pg. 564 |
|
Common mental statuses in anaphylaxis |
Feeling of impending doom Ch. 20, pg. 564 |
|
Indications for epinephrine auto-injectors |
Must meet following three criteria: -Patient exhibits signs of a severe allergic reaction, including either respiratory distress or shock -Medication is prescribed for this patient by a physician or is carried on the ambulance -Medical direction authorizes use for this patient Ch. 20, pg. 569 |
|
Contraindications for epinephrine auto-injectors |
No contraindications when used in a life-threatening situation Ch. 20, pg. 569 |
|
Medication form for epinephrine auto-injectors |
Liquid is administered by an auto-injector--an automatically injectable needle-and-syringe system Ch. 20, pg. 569 |
|
Dosage for epinephrine auto-injectors |
-Adult: one adult auto-injector (0.3 mg) -Infant and child: one infant/child auto-injector (0.15 mg) Ch. 20, pg. 569 |
|
Actions of epinephrine auto-injector |
-Dilates the bronchioles -Constricts blood vessels -Makes the capillaries less permeable (leaky) Ch. 20, pg. 569 |
|
Side effects of epinephrine auto-injector |
-Increased heart rate -Pallor -Dizziness -Chest pain -Headache -Nausea -Vomiting -Excitability, anxiety Ch. 20, pg. 569 |
|
Reassessment strategies for epinephrine auto-injector |
1. Transport 2. Continue secondary assessment of ABC's 3. Consider further care and assessment based on patient's decline/improvement Ch. 20, pg. 569 |
|
Definition: allergen |
Something that causes an allergic reaction Ch. 20, pg. 572 |
|
Definition: allergic reaction |
An exaggerated immune response Ch. 20, pg. 572 |
|
Definition: anaphylaxis |
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 Ch. 20, pg. 572 |
|
Definition: auto-injector |
A syringe preloaded with medication that has a spring-loaded device that pushes the needle through the skin when the tip of the device is pressed firmly against the body Ch. 20, pg. 572 |
|
Definition: epinephrine |
A hormone produced by the body. As a medication, it constricts blood vessels and dilates respiratory passages and is used to relieve severe allergic reactions Ch. 20, pg. 572 |
|
Definition: hives |
Red, itchy, possibly raised blotches on the skin that often result from allergic reactions Ch. 20, pg. 572 |