Overview. Assessment of Allergic Reactions. Chapter 21. Allergic Reactions 9/11/2012. Assessment of Allergic Reactions

Transcription

1 Chapter 21 Allergic Reactions Slide 1 Overview Causes of Allergic Reactions Signs and Symptoms of Allergic Reactions Emergency Care for Patients with Allergic Reactions Airway Management Administration of Medication Slide 2 Assessment of Allergic Reactions Slide 3 1

2 Allergic reaction An exaggerated immune response to a substance that comes into contact with the body A severe allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis or an anaphylactic reaction. Slide 4 Allergen A substance that commonly causes allergic reactions, such as insect bites or stings, foods, plants, and medications Slide 5 Causes of allergic reactions Slide 6 2

3 Signs and symptoms Skin Warm tingling feeling in the face, mouth, chest, feet, and hands Itching Hives Red skin (flushing) Swelling to face, neck, hands, feet, and/or tongue (Insert fig from Stoy, 2e) Slide 7 Signs and symptoms Respiratory system Patient may state he feels a tightness in his throat/chest Cough Rapid breathing Labored breathing Noisy breathing Hoarseness (losing the voice) Stridor Wheezing (audible without stethoscope) Be prepared to manage the patient s airway. Apply high-flow oxygen immediately. Slide 8 Signs and symptoms Cardiac Increased heart rate Decreased blood pressure Slide 9 3

4 Generalized findings Itchy, watery eyes Headache Sense of impending doom Runny nose Decreasing mental status Slide 10 Slide 11 Assessment findings that reveal shock (hypoperfusion) or respiratory distress indicate the presence of a severe allergic reaction. Slide 12 4

5 Information obtained in the initial assessment may be enough to suggest the need for administration of epinephrine. Slide 13 Emergency Care for Allergic Reaction Perform initial assessment Perform focused history and physical exam History of allergies What patient was exposed to How they were exposed What effects Progression Interventions Assess baseline vital signs and SAMPLE history Slide 14 Emergency Care for Allergic Reaction Serious signs and symptoms Administer oxygen if not already done in the initial assessment Determine if patient has prescribed preloaded epinephrine available Facilitate administration of preloaded epinephrine If patient does not have epinephrine autoinjector available, transport immediately Slide 15 5

6 If the patient has an epinephrine autoinjector and is having a severe reaction, the goal is to gain enough information about the patient s condition to rapidly administer the medication. Slide 16 A medication used to dilate the bronchioles, prevent tissue swelling, constrict the blood vessels, and increase the ability of the heart to pump blood Slide 17 Autoinjector A device that administers a preset dose of medication in a sage manner, by way of an intramuscular self-injection Slide 18 6

7 Indications Assessment reveals a patient with a severe allergic reaction Respiratory compromise and/or hypoperfusion Slide 19 Contraindications None in an emergency situation Slide 20 Mechanism of action Actions Dilates the bronchioles Constricts blood vessels Slide 21 7

8 Dosage Adult one adult autoinjector (0.3 mg) Infant and child one infant/child autoinjector (0.15 mg) Slide 22 Side effects Increases heart rate Pallor Dizziness Chest pain Headache Nausea Vomiting Excitability, anxiousness Slide 23 Use of the Autoinjector (Insert Unnfig 21-1) Slide 24 8

9 Use of the Autoinjector (Insert Unnfig 21-2) Slide 25 Use of the Autoinjector (Insert Unnfig 21-3) Slide 26 Video Clip: Use of the Autoinjector Slide 27 9

10 Emergency Care of Allergic Reaction Patient without signs of respiratory distress or shock (hypoperfusion) Continue with focused assessment Patient not wheezing or without signs of respiratory distress or shock (hypoperfusion) Slide 28 Emergency Care of Allergic Reaction Patient without signs of respiratory distress or shock (hypoperfusion) Administer high-flow oxygen and transport Slide 29 Summary Causes of Allergic Reactions Signs and Symptoms of Allergic Reactions Emergency Care for Patients with Allergic Reactions Airway Management Administration of Medication Slide 30 10