hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis
Topic : Discuss what symptoms are associated with hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis. How will the nurse differentiate these from other conditions or issues? What steps should be taken if the nurse suspects anaphylaxis?
Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and include at least two references cited using APA format. Responses to peers or faculty should be and include one reference. Refer to “RN-BSN Discussion Question Rubric” and “RN-BSN Participation Rubric,” located in Class Resources, to understand the expectations for initial discussion question posts and participation posts, respectively.
Example 1 ( Timothy)
Anaphylaxis is defined in StatPearls as “Anaphylaxis is an acute, life-threatening hypersensitivity disorder, defined as a generalized, rapidly evolving, multi-systemic allergic reaction” (McLendon & Sternard, 2023). Physical presentations for anaphylaxis range from mild symptoms are skin flushing and pruritis to severe symptoms like respiratory distress (McLendon & Sternard, 2023). Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of hypersensitivity.
The most similar situation to anaphylaxis is angioedema. Given the speed and severity of symptom presentation differential diagnosis is not important. Aggressive treatment should be provided. Severe angioedema and anaphylaxis both require rapid and aggressive airway management. Symptoms of anaphylaxis besides respiratory distress can include cool clammy skin, weak rapid pulse, confusion and loss of consciousness (McLendon & Sternard, 2023).
If the nurse witnesses a severe reaction like anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock immediate action is required. In hospital, activation of RRT is appropriate, if the nurse is seeing symptomatic respiratory distress activation of a code is appropriate.
Treatment for anaphylaxis depends on location and available resources. Often anaphylaxis is present in the field and is initially treated by EMS. Treatment includes rapid delivery of epinephrine and removal/decontamination from triggering agents (McLendon & Sternard, 2023). Epinephrine is given via auto-injector or syringe and vial. I have treated patients in the field with extremely severe symptoms, they carry an autoinjector and a vial of epinephrine for follow up injections. An EMS team is simultaneously assessing viability of airway and administration of epi. Early intubation can be indicated due to the loss of ability to intubate due to airway inflammation.
In hospital anaphylaxis requires immediate treatment from a medical team. Eliminating the allergen trigger is the first step. Administration of oxygen, epi, corticosteroids, h2 blocker, antihistamines and bronchodilators can be indicated (Anaphylaxis – Diagnosis & Treatment – Mayo Clinic, 2021). The patient should be put on full monitors plus etco2.
Working my job in PACU and PreOp we routinely give vancomycin 10-20 times a day. I have seen the range of reactions from flushing to anaphylaxis and coding. The most important part of treatment is identifying the trigger – Vanco – and stopping it. The pre-op team and I all teach all our patients getting Vanco now what initial symptoms are, itchy red scalp, red flushing face and redness of the upper chest, and if they experience any of these symptoms to notify staff immediately. With teaching we have not had a serious reaction in years because we can stop the infusion at the onset (Vancomycin Infusion Reaction, 2024).
Anaphylaxis – Diagnosis & treatment – Mayo Clinic. (2021, October 2). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anaphylaxis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351474
McLendon, K., & Sternard, B. T. (2023b, January 26). Anaphylaxis. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482124/
Vancomycin infusion reaction. (2024). Infectious Diseases Management Program at UCSF. https://idmp.ucsf.edu/VIRGuideline
Example 2 (Logan)
When a person has a immune system dysfunction, they may be more sensitive to common things, such as dust or pollen, causing hypersensitivity. Hypersensitivity is an allergic reaction. As stated inPathophysiology: Clinical Applications for Client Health:, “Allergic reactions can be immediate or delayed. Hypersensitivity reactions are the result of complex immune responses involving degranulation of mast cells, which activates the release of histamine. Most hypersensitivity reactions are mild. Mild allergic reactions may present with itching, hives, watery eyes, rash, scratchy throat, and rhinitis” (Randall, 2022, p. 81). The most severe form of an allergic reaction results in anaphylaxis, which is a life threatening condition that requires immediate intervention. “Anaphylaxis causes the immune system to release a flood of chemicals that can cause you to go into shock — blood pressure drops suddenly and the airways narrow, blocking breathing. Signs and symptoms include a rapid, weak pulse; a skin rash; and nausea and vomiting” (Mayo Clinic, n.d). Anaphylaxis must be treated immediately with epinephrine, and other medications such as corticosteriods, oxygen, bronchodialators, and IV fluids. Nurses must be aware of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and be prepared for an emergency at all times. It is also essential to identify and confirm any patient allergies or past reactions.
References
Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Anaphylaxis. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anaphylaxis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351468
Randall, J. (2022). Pathophysiology: Clinical Applications for Client Health (p. 81). Grand Canyon University.
Example 3 (Uvine)
Hello Professor and Class,
Hypersensitivity reactions and anaphylaxis are severe allergic reactions that are fatal if not diagnosed and managed early. Hypersensitivity reactions of different degrees could result in the formation of rash, itching, swelling, wheezing, and gastrointestinal disturbances (Simons et al., 2015). Anaphylaxis occurs in people with previous allergic reactions and is characterized by the rapid progression of signs and symptoms in different body organs.
Critical symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
1. Respiratory: Respiratory rate, sniffle, gurgly Sound
2. Cardiovascular: Hypotension, tachycardia, dizziness
3. Cutaneous: Generalized urticaria, angioedema
4. Gastrointestinal: Some side effects include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Thus, it is essential to differentiate between them and other conditions based on the course’s sudden onset and rapid worsening, especially if multiple organs are involved. Likewise, known allergen exposure can also result in barometric findings. Muraro et al. (2014) also pointed out that anaphylaxis does not have to have skin manifestations in up to 20 percent of cases.
If anaphylaxis is suspected, the nurse should take immediate action:
1. Prior to initiating resuscitation, one must check the patient’s pulse and determine if the patient is breathing.
2. Give epinephrine subcutaneously or intramuscularly, preferably in the lateral thigh area.
3. Call for emergency assistance
4. Place the patient supine with legs off the bed unless respiratory worsens.
5. Use supplemental oxygen as the case may be
6. Start central or peripheral line access for fluid administration if hypotension persists.
7. Monitor vital signs closely
Epinephrine is the primary drug used in anaphylaxis; hence, its early identification and timely use are essential. Nurses should understand the signs and symptoms of the same, and measures to ensure that an affected person gets treatment as soon as possible should be observed as the consequences for delayed treatments are undesirable.
Collepals.com Plagiarism Free Papers
Are you looking for custom essay writing service or even dissertation writing services? Just request for our write my paper service, and we'll match you with the best essay writer in your subject! With an exceptional team of professional academic experts in a wide range of subjects, we can guarantee you an unrivaled quality of custom-written papers.
Get ZERO PLAGIARISM, HUMAN WRITTEN ESSAYS
Why Hire Collepals.com writers to do your paper?
Quality- We are experienced and have access to ample research materials.
We write plagiarism Free Content
Confidential- We never share or sell your personal information to third parties.
Support-Chat with us today! We are always waiting to answer all your questions.
