Allergic reactions/envenomations
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21 terms
Terms | Definitions |
|---|---|
 Allergic reaction | Exaggerated immune response to any substance |
| Allergen | Substance that can cause an allergic reaction |
| Histamines and leukotrines | Chemicals released by immune system |
| Developing allergies | Body must be introduced to an allergen at least once before allergy develops. Sequence: Body develops antibodies to allergen, Body is reintroduced to same allergen, Overreaction of antibodies cause reaction, Allergic reactions may not happen 2nd or 3rd time introduced |
| Histamines | Chemical produced by body to fight allergens. Goal is to minimize body's exposure to allergen. |
| Effects of histamines | Bronchoconstriction (to reduce possibility of allergen entering through respiratory tract). Vasodilation (to keep allergen from bloodstream). Capillary permeability (can cause fluid to leak out into surrounding tissue). Bombardment of histamine can cause anaphylaxis, and antihistamines block further uptake of histamines. |
| Anaphylaxis | Extreme allergic reaction that involves multiple organs. Most common signs: wheezing and hives. |
| 5 allergen categories | 1. Insect bites/stings 2. Medications 3. Plants 4. Food 5. Chemicals |
| Signs/Sx of insect bites | Sudden pain, swelling, redness. Itching and a wheal. Sometimes dramatic swelling. |
| Anaphylactic reactions to stings | 5% of people allergic to bee, hornet, yellow jacket, wasp stings. Most deaths within 30 minutes of sting. |
| Airway and Breathing | May only have few minutes to assess. Place patient in tripod position. Listen for wheezing. Provide O2 and be prepared to assist ventilation. |
| Circulation | Look for indications of circulatory distress: rapid heart rate, cool, moist skin, delayed cap refill. |
| Transport decision | Treat respiratory distress and shock, then transport promptly with meds and auto-injectors. |
| Focused Exam and Hx | Evaluate respiratory system, circulatory system, mental status and skin. Check for wheezing and stridor. Be alert for AMS. |
| Baseline vitals | Assess pulse, respirations, BP, skin, pupils. Rapid pulse and low BP are bad signs (shock). Bad reactions will have low BP, rapid pulse and respirations and low pulse OX. |
| Interventions | Severe reactions get epi and ventilatory supoort. Milder cases get O2. |
| Other Emergency Care | Placing ice over injury site may slow absorption of toxin but also freeze skin and cause damage. |
| Scene size-up | Check environment for signs of reaction -- insects, food, medications |
| General impression | May present as respiratory and/or cardiac distress in form of shock. Patients may feel sense of impending doom. Check for med ID tags, see what treatment has been administered and treat life threats if unresponsive. |
| Administer auto-injector (10) | 1. Receive order from medical control 2. Follow BSI 3. Make sure it's patient's prescription 4. Make sure med is not discolored or expired 5. Remove cap 6. Place tip against lateral side of patient's thigh 7. Push and hold for about 10 seconds until all medication is given 8. Remove injector 9. Record time/dose 10. Reassess and record vitals |
| Using AnaKit (11) | 1. Receive order from medical control 2. Follow BSI 3. Make sure it's patient's prescription 4. Make sure med is not discolored or expired 5. Prepare injection site. 6. Hold syringe upright so air rises to base of needle 7. Turn plunger one-quarter turn 8. Insert needle QUICKLY 9. Push plunger until it stops 10. Have patient chew/swallow Chlo-Amine tabs 11. Apply cold pack |
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