ALLERGIC REACTIONS

An exaggerated response of the immune system

Anaphylaxis Respiratory distress or signs/symptoms of shock Blood vessels dilate rapidly hypotension Airway swelling

Causes Insect Food shellfish, peanuts Plants Medications Latex

Reactions usually rapid but your patient can crash Signs and symptoms Itching Hives Flushing Swelling Warm tingling feeling in face, mouth, feet, chest and hands

Tightness in throat or chest Cough Rapid &/or labored, noisy breathing Hoarseness, muffled voice or loss of voice Stridor Wheezing

Increased heart rate Decreased blood pressure Itchy, watery eyes Headache Runny nose Sense of impending doom

Anaphylactic shock AMS Flushed dry skin OR pale cool, clammy skin Nausea or vomiting Increase in pulse and respirations; decrease in blood pressure

Care ABCs Epi-pen

Epinephrine Auto Injector Epinephrine is a hormone produced by the body A Catecholamine: Catecholamines are water-soluble and are 50% bound to plasma proteins, so they circulate in the bloodstream. Acts on both Alpha and Beta-adrenergic receptors: α1-adrenoceptor vasoconstriction, so that blood is shunted to the body's core, and the β1-adrenoceptor response which is increased cardiac rate and output (the speed and pronouncement of heart beats).α1-adrenoceptorvasoconstrictionβ1-adrenoceptor Also acts a bronchodilater

Administering 0.3 mg Definitive anaphylaxis Remove the cap Place firmly against thigh midway between waist and knee Reassess in two minutes