Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that presents many clinical manifestations and can result in mortality. It may be caused by food, medication or venom. Symptoms include hives, pruritus or flushing, swollen lips-tongue-uvula, dyspnea, wheeze-bronchospasm, stridor, hypoxemia, reduced blood pressure or symptoms of end-organ dysfunction; acute onset of hypotension or bronchospasm, laryngeal involvement, rash/erythema/flushing, and angioedema. Epinephrine is the first-line drug to treat acute symptoms, airway protection, and epinephrine auto-injector should be prescribed for each patient. Antihistamines and systemic corticosteroids are used to relieve symptoms.(Quoc et al., 2021)
As a nurse, it is critical to have the knowledge to be able to identify these situations since they may be life-threatening. Recognizing high-risk patients and situations is an essential first step in reducing HSR morbidity and mortality. Clinical variables known to increase the risk for hypersensitivity include a personal history of drug or food allergy. Considering the fact that there are several stages of hypersensitivity and reactions, since every patient is different, it is crucial for the nurse to be able to help manifest each symptom and apply interventions accordingly. The management of a patient with anaphylaxis should start with the removal of exposure to the known or suspected trigger, if still possible, followed by the assessment of the patient’s circulation, airway patency, breathing, mental status, skin, and, if possible, weight. (Quoc et al., 2021)
Abbas, M., Moussa, M., & Akel, H. (2023). Type i hypersensitivity reaction. Retrieved March 2, 2024, from http://europepmc.org/books/NBK560561
Brooks, K., & Editor, P. (2011, April 5). Acute hypersensitivity reactions: What nurses need to know – johns hopkins nursing magazine. Johns Hopkins Nursing Magazine. Retrieved March 2, 2024, from https://magazine.nursing.jhu.edu/2011/04/acute-hypersensitivity-reactions-what-nurses-need-to-know/
Quoc, Q., Bich, T., Jang, J.-H., & Park, H.-S. (2021). Recent update on the management of anaphylaxis. Clinical and Experimental Emergency Medicine, 8(3), 160–172. https://doi.org/10.15441/ceem.21.121
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