Immunologic Emergencies part 2

A raised, swollen, well-defined area on the skin that is the result of an insect bite or sting is called:

• purpura

• a wheal

• a pustule

• urticaria

After administering 0.3 mg of epinephrine via auto-injector to a 22-year-old female with an allergic reaction, you note improvement in her breathing and resolution of her hives. However, she is still anxious and tachycardic. You should:

• contact medical control and obtain authorization to administer another 0.3 mg of epinephrine

• monitor her closely but recall that anxiety and tachycardia are side effects of epinephrine

• transport her rapidly, as it is obvious that she is having a severe reaction to the epinephrine

• consider administering 0.15 mg of epinephrine to completely resolve her allergic reaction

Because the stinger of a honeybee remains in the wound following a sting:

• the stinger should quickly be removed with tweezers

• it can continue to inject venom for up to 20 minutes

• the toxicity of the venom decreases within 10 minutes

• the body's immune system deactivates the bee’s venom

Common side effects of epinephrine include all of the following, EXCEPT:

• headache

• drowsiness

• tachycardia

• dizziness

Epinephrine is indicated for patients with an allergic reaction when:

• the patient is anxious and tachycardic

• the reaction produces severe urticarial

• wheezing and hypotension are present

• a paramedic is present at the scene

The foreign substance responsible for causing an allergic reaction is called a(n):

• antibody

• histamine

• leukotriene

• allergen

When administering epinephrine via auto-injector, you should hold the injector in place for:

• 20 seconds

• 15 seconds

• 10 seconds

• 5 seconds

Which of the following negative effects of anaphylaxis will be the MOST rapidly fatal if not treated immediately?

• Systemic vasodilation

• Severe hypotension

• Diffuse urticaria

• Upper airway swelling

Which of the following patients would MOST likely have a delayed onset of an allergic reaction?

• A 50-year-old male who was exposed to latex

• A 45-year-old male who ingested penicillin

• A 30-year-old male who was stung by a bee

• A 21-year-old female who inhaled pollen

You have administered one dose of epinephrine to a 40-year-old female to treat an allergic reaction that she developed after being stung by a scorpion. Your reassessment reveals that she is still having difficulty breathing, has a decreasing mental status, and has a blood pressure of 80/50 mm Hg. You should:

• monitor her en route to the hospital and call medical control if she worsens

• administer a nebulized bronchodilator to improve the status of her breathing

• request permission from medical control to give another dose of epinephrine

• crush up an antihistamine tablet and place it in between her cheek and gum