Basic Terminology
This is the medical term for a life-threatening allergic reaction involving multiple systems.
What is anaphylaxis?
This is the first-line drug used in the treatment of anaphylaxis.
What is epinephrine?
These skin signs often appear early in an allergic reaction.
What are hives?
This type of oxygen delivery device is most appropriate for a patient in respiratory distress.
What is a non-rebreather mask or BVM?
This is the most common food allergen that causes anaphylaxis in both children and adults.
What are peanuts?
This system overreacts during an allergic reaction.
What is the immune system?
The correct EMT-B dosage of epinephrine for an adult.
What is 0.3 mg IM?
This airway sound suggests upper airway swelling in anaphylaxis.
What is stridor?
After administering epinephrine, this is your next critical step.
What is provide high-flow oxygen and prepare for transport?
This type of sting can cause rapid-onset anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals.
What is a bee or wasp sting?
This chemical is released during an allergic reaction and causes itching, swelling, and vasodilation.
What is histamine?
Epinephrine works by stimulating these two receptor types.
What are alpha and beta receptors?
These are three critical systems affected in anaphylaxis.
What are airway, breathing, and circulation?
You must always do this after a patient uses an epinephrine auto-injector, even if they feel better.
What is transport them to the hospital?
This class of drugs is a common cause of severe allergic reactions and includes penicillin.
What are antibiotics?
This type of allergic reaction is limited to one part of the body, like just the skin or just the eyes.
What is a localized reaction?
This is the recommended injection site for an epinephrine auto-injector.
What is the lateral thigh (vastus lateralis)?
This vital sign change is commonly seen in late anaphylaxis and indicates shock.
What is hypotension (low blood pressure)?
If symptoms return after the first dose of epinephrine, this may be necessary (per protocol).
What is administer a second dose?
This material, commonly found in gloves, balloons, and medical supplies, can trigger a serious allergic reaction.
What is latex?
This type of reaction can occur hours after the initial anaphylaxis has resolved.
What is a biphasic reaction?
This over-the-counter medication helps relieve itching but is not a substitute for epinephrine.
What is diphenhydramine (Benadryl)?
This subjective symptom — a patient just “feeling like something bad is going to happen” — may be an early warning sign.
What is a sense of impending doom?
You should place an anaphylactic patient in this position, unless respiratory distress is present.
What is the supine position?
This type of medication, often taken for pain or inflammation, can trigger allergic reactions in some patients—even without prior exposure.
What are NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)?