Nokea
A child has been transported to the emergency department (ED) after a severe allergic reaction. The ED nurse is evaluating the patients respiratory status. How should the nurse evaluate the patients respiratory status?
- A. Facilitate lung function testing.
- B. Assess breath sounds.
- C. Measure the childs oxygen saturation by oximeter.
- D. Monitor the childs respiratory pattern.
- E. Assess the childs respiratory rate.
Correct Answer: B,C,D,E
Rationale: The respiratory status is evaluated by monitoring the respiratory rate and pattern and by assessing for breathing difficulties, low oxygen saturation, or abnormal lung sounds such as wheezing. Lung function testing is a lengthy procedure that is not appropriate in an emergency context.
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A nurse at an allergy clinic is providing education for a patient starting immunotherapy for the treatment of allergies. What education should the nurse prioritize?
- A. The importance of scheduling appointments for the same time each month
- B. The importance of keeping appointments for desensitization procedures
- C. The importance of avoiding antihistamines for the duration of treatment
- D. The importance of keeping a diary of reactions to the immunotherapy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse informs and reminds the patient of the importance of keeping appointments for desensitization procedures, because dosages are usually adjusted on a weekly basis, and missed appointments may interfere with the dosage adjustment. Appointments are more frequent than monthly and antihistamines are not contraindicated. There is no need to keep a diary of reactions.
A patient has been admitted to the emergency department with signs of anaphylaxis following a bee sting. The nurse knows that if this is a true allergic reaction the patient will present with what alteration in laboratory values?
- A. Increased eosinophils
- B. Increased neutrophils
- C. Increased serum albumin
- D. Decreased blood glucose
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Higher percentages of eosinophils are considered moderate to severe eosinophilia. Moderate eosinophilia is defined as 15% to 40% eosinophils and is found in patients with allergic disorders. Hypersensitivity does not result in hypoglycemia or increased albumin and neutrophil counts.
A school nurse is caring for a child who appears to be having an allergic response. What should be the initial action of the school nurse?
- A. Assess for signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis.
- B. Assess for erythema and urticaria.
- C. Administer an OTC antihistamine.
- D. Administer epinephrine.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: If a patient is experiencing an allergic response, the nurses initial action is to assess the patient for signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis. Erythema and urticaria may be present, but these are not the most significant or most common signs of anaphylaxis. Assessment must precede interventions, such as administering an antihistamine. Epinephrine is indicated in the treatment of anaphylaxis, not for every allergic reaction.
A junior nursing student is having an observation day in the operating room. Early in the day, the student tells the OR nurse that her eyes are swelling and she is having trouble breathing. What should the nurse suspect?
- A. Cytotoxic reaction due to contact with the powder in the gloves
- B. Immune complex reaction due to contact with anesthetic gases
- C. Anaphylaxis due to a latex allergy
- D. Delayed reaction due to exposure to cleaning products
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Immediate hypersensitivity to latex, a type I allergic reaction, is mediated by the IgE mast cell system. Symptoms can include rhinitis, conjunctivitis, asthma, and anaphylaxis. The term latex allergy is usually used to describe the type I reaction. The rapid onset is not consistent with a cytotoxic reaction, an immune complex reaction, or a delayed reaction.
A patient with multiple food and environmental allergies tells the nurse that he is frustrated and angry about having to be so watchful all the time and wonders if it is really worth it. What would be the nurses best response?
- A. I can only imagine how you feel. Would you like to talk about it?
- B. Lets find a quiet spot and Ill teach you a few coping strategies.
- C. Thats the same way that most patients who have a chronic illness feel.
- D. Do you think that maybe you could be managing things more efficiently?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: To assist the patient in adjusting to these modifications, the nurse must have an appreciation of the difficulties encountered by the patient. The patient is encouraged to verbalize feelings and concerns in a supportive environment and to identify strategies to deal with them effectively. The nurse should not suggest that the patient has been mismanaging his health problem and the nurse should not make comparisons with other patients. Further assessment should precede educational interventions.