Reactions
Allergy Testing. An “erythemous wheal” appears on the top of a pt’s skin after the nurse injected an allergen under the epidermis. What can the student conclude from these results?
What is a Positive Allergy Test?
A client presents to the clinic with tiny blisters over her face that ooze and itch. The skin appears dry and cracked. What disease process can the nurse conclude the child is suffering from?
What is Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
What is a “Perineal Allergy”
A seasonal allergy such as pollen in the Spring
A client suffering from kidney failure is to receive a kidney transplant tomorrow. What will the nurse teach this client about Organ Transplants?
The client will be on anti-rejection meds for life.
A student is teaching the class on Lactose Intolerance. Which statement made by the student has no need for further teaching and is correct?
Lactose Intolerance is a Dairy Allergy not a Milk Allergy.
-when a lactose intolerant person consumes any dairy, Migraines will occur.
Dypsnea, Cough, Tightness in the Chest, Wheezing, and Increased Pulse and Respiratory Rate… are all common symptoms to what allergic reaction?
What is Bronchial Asthma?
What are the signs/symptoms of Anaphylaxis?
-Shortness of Breath(dypsnea)
-Urticaria(hives)
-Wheezing(laryngeal edema)
Latex Allergies are common among people who are sensitive to what 4 types of food?
1. Bananas
2.Kiwi
3.Avocado
4.Chestnuts
How would the healthcare team treat an Autoimmune Disorder?
Mild Analgesics, Corticosteroids, Radiation
-most of the time treatment doesn't help though in the case that a client has an autoimmune disorder :(
The nurse knows that allergic reactions occur faster and are more severe if the allergen is given through what route?
Parentally (thru an IV)
Sneezing, Runny Nose, Itching and Burning of the Eyes, and Edema…are all signs that what allergic reaction is occuring?
What is Allergic Rhinitis?(Hay Fever)
What is the main cause of Asthma?
Allergies
Why would the nurse never use antihistamines to treat Perineal Allergies(seasonal allergies)?
Antihistamines cause the pt to become drowsy and can cause extreme dryness to the throat making it difficult to swallow for the pt. This use of Antihistamines will cause the person to develop a tolerance to antihistamines because seasonal allergies occur so often.
What are some common examples of Autoimmune Disorders?
1. Lupus(SLE)
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis(RA)
3. Organ Transplant Rejection
What is the difference in organ-specific and systemic responses?
Organ-specific: only affects one organ
Systemic: affects the entire body
Non-organ Specific: affects multiple organs
What is a common issue that the nurse must be aware of when administering antihistamines like a bronchodilator, to an asthma patient?
Antihistamines can cause extreme dryness in the throat, making it difficult to swallow.
-Leukotriene Antagonists is the classification of the meds used to treat asthma.
What do antihistamines do?
Inhibit or stop the action of histamine. Therfore preventing serious complications.
What can a Severe Allergic Reaction lead to?
Vascular Collapse(Have IV and Epi Ready)
Laryngeal Edema(throat closing up)
Shock
Death
Herpes Zoster is also known as what? How does it look? When is it contagious?
Herpes Zoster is aka “Shingles”
-painful and itchy skin rash that can have blisters
-It is contagious when the blisters are open and itching or oozing.
While administering Immunotherapy, aka “Allergy Shots” to a client through a process called Desanitization…The nurse knows she should follow what important measures when administering these shots to a client?
1. Have an Epi(1mg and 1000mg) at the bedside in case of an anaphylactic reaction
2. Stay 20 mins in the facility with the pt to confirm that the client doesn't have a reaction to the allergen
3. Keep an artificial airway at Bedside at all times
Itchiness and rash at the Injection Site, Enlarged Lymph Nodes, and local inflammation…are all signs that a client is having what reaction?
What is a Serum Reaction.
Urticaria is also known as what? And what does it look like?
Hives
-it appears as a red rash will bumps that itch.
What will the nurse do in the occurence of an Anaphylactic Reaction?
Remove allergens, Place an artificial airway in the client, Give an Antihistamine/Epi, and the nurse can use an icepack to slow absorbtion.
Elijah is having an asthma attack. How can the nurse help Elijah?
1. Maintain breathing(use airway if needed)
2. Give a bronchodilator or antihistamine such as “Albuterol.”
3. Remove the disturber(allergen,stress, or people)
What Education would a nurse provide to a client upon discharge who suffers from Asthma?
2. Wear a Facemask in Cold Weather, but NOT DURING ACTIVITIES!
3.Avoid irritants/allergens
4.Encourage Sports, don't discourage