Question

1. A patient has been brought to the emergency room complaining of dyspnea after sustaining a bee sting to the right arm.

• Describe the types of hypersensitivity
• What measures are taken to manage anaphylaxis?

2. The nurse is teaching a patient how to use an EpiPen in the event of an anaphylactic reaction.

• What are the priority management concerns of the patient with the allergic disorder?
• What are the key measures for the use of an EpiPen in the management of anaphylaxis?

Answer 1

Hypersensitivity can be categorized into four types namely

• Anaphylactic reactions or immediate reactions or type 1 which can affect the patient systematically which needs immediate medical help
• Antibody dependent hypersensitivity or cytotoxic reactions or type 2
• Immune complex or type 3
• Delayed hypersensitivity or type 4

The following measures has to be taken to manage anaphylaxis are

• If the patient has dyspnea, immediately administer oxygen to maintain saturation ,a beta agonist has to be administered to reduce the breathing difficulties
• Antihistamine to reduce or prevent the allergic reactions in further
• Epinephrine is the first line drug to reduce allergic reactions

2.The priority management concerns are

• Check for airway, breathing, circulation ,oxygen saturation
• Monitor vital signs and GCS
• Administer oxygen
• Administer injection epinephrine
• Position patient in supine or trendlenburg
• Fluid resuscitation by inserting intravenous lines
• Antihistamine, bronchodilators to reduce inflammation and enhance breathing

Use this medication as directed

Administer intramuscularly as preferred site if not subcutaneously when alone

Massage the site for 10 seconds after administration

Do not use if the label is damaged or the medication is turbid