Assignment Prompt
Discuss what symptoms are associated with hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis. and how the nurse differentiates these from other conditions or issues. What steps should be taken if the nurse suspects anaphylaxis?
Discuss what symptoms are associated with hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis and how the nurse differentiates these from other conditions or issues.
Hypersensitivity is an allergic reaction that is mild and it is characterized by itchy and watery eyes, itchy skin, and sneezing. Hives are one symptom of hypersensitivity and they are usually elevated areas of swelling with a pale center. Swelling can also be witnessed in the areas of the skin and it is caused by the leaking of fluids in the blood vessels (Fernandez, 2022). On the other hand, anaphylaxis is characterized by symptoms such as low blood pressure, skin reactions such as hives, swollen throat or airways, a rapid and weak pulse, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea, fainting, and dizziness. Hypersensitivity is different from anaphylaxis as hypersensitivity is the adverse reaction caused by an allergic drug reaction. This is evident in subsequent diseases of even the first dose. On the other hand, anaphylaxis is a more severe hypersensitivity reaction and it is fatal if not treated early (Mayo Clinic, 2021).
What steps should be taken if the nurse suspects anaphylaxis?
There are various steps that the nurse can take if they suspect anaphylaxis. The first intervention is the management of the airways. This is crucial as failure to do so can lead to the requirement of a surgical procedure. The nurses should activate the Rapid Response Team to provide expert assistance that lowers the rate of mortality of patients suffering from anaphylaxis. It is crucial for the nurse to discontinue any triggering allergen (Salvador, 2022). For instance, if the allergy is caused by an insect sting, it should be removed. Nurses should administer epinephrine which is a gold standard for the treatment of anaphylaxis. If prescribed, nurses should administer antihistamine to block histamine which is a natural chemical produced by the body when the patient is experiencing an allergic reaction. Nurses should start administering oxygen therapy as severe anaphylaxis requires high oxygen flow. Additionally, it is crucial to make it available airway management equipment such as endotracheal intubation (Salvador, 2022).
References
- Fernandez, J. (2022). Overview of allergic reactions. MSD Manual Consumer Version. https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/immune-disorders/allergic-reactions-and-other-hypersensitivity-disorders/overview-of-allergic-reactions
- Mayo Clinic. (2021). Anaphylaxis. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anaphylaxis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351468
- Salvador, K. (2022). Anaphylaxis nursing diagnosis & care plan. NurseTogether. https://www.nursetogether.com/anaphylaxis-nursing-diagnosis-care-plan/