Exam 21: Anaphylactic Reactions

A patient has been stung by a bee. Which one of the following findings would be present in anaphylaxis, but not in a local allergic reaction?

You have been summoned to an apartment for a 58-year-old female complaining of hives on her chest and abdomen. When asked, she states that she has had several episodes of the hives over the past six months, but allergy testing has not been able to pinpoint a cause. Based on this information, which one of the following would best classify the cause of the reaction?

You are called to an out-patient surgery center for a patient who developed an allergic reaction while receiving an intravenous (IV) antibiotic. The EMT would document the route of exposure as:

In which situation would the EMT contact medical direction prior to administering epinephrine to a patient suffering an anaphylactic reaction?

The EMT exhibits an understanding of allergic reactions and anaphylaxis when she makes which one of the following statements?

You have been called to a residence for a female patient who awoke with swollen lips and a rash to her arms and abdomen. In addition, she exhibits a mild expiratory wheeze in all lung fields. She states that she called her doctor who advised her to take some Benadryl and call 911 for emergency care. How will the Benadryl, acting as an antihistamine, benefit the patient?

After assisting a patient with the use of an epinephrine auto-injector, you note that the patient's blood pressure has improved. As a knowledgeable EMT, you realize that this has occurred due to epinephrine's ability to:

During the primary assessment, which finding would most lead the EMT to suspect an allergic reaction?

A football player in full uniform has been stung by a bee. Your assessment reveals him to be confused with stridorous respirations and weak radial pulses. His skin is warm and flushed and covered with hives. Vital signs are: pulse 164, respirations 28, blood pressure 74/58 mmHg, and SpO₂ at 87%. The coach notifies you that the patient is allergic to bees and hands you the patient's epinephrine pen. Your next action would be to:

Five minutes after you assist a patient with her epinephrine auto-injector, the patient states that she feels much better and would like to refuse additional care and transport to the hospital. What statement would be most appropriate given the situation?

When administering epinephrine to an infant or child, the EMT would place the injector at what site?

A panicked and anxious patient tells you that he is allergic to peanuts and thinks he may have accidentally eaten some. He states that the last time he ate peanuts he almost died and needed to have a "tube put in his throat." When assessing the patient, which of the following signs or symptoms would provide the best evidence that the patient is having an allergic, and possibly an anaphylactic, reaction?

What is the most severe form of an allergic reaction called?

What is the most common cause of an allergic reaction?

What statement would you agree with regarding both anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions?

A 23-year-old male has called EMS for swollen lips and hives. As you enter the scene, what observation would make the EMT suspicious that the patient is having an allergic reaction?

The EMT shows he understands the use of an epinephrine auto-injector for treating a patient with an anaphylactic reaction when he makes which one of the following statements?

How should an EMT assist a patient in taking his epinephrine auto-injector?

Prior to assisting a patient with his epinephrine auto-injector, the EMT must ensure that:

You are responding to a call for an allergic reaction. Your partner is a new EMT and this is his first call. When prepping him for what might lie on scene, what instruction regarding the assessment and treatment of an allergic reaction and/or anaphylaxis would be correct?