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A patient with severe environmental allergies is scheduled for an immunotherapy injection. What should be included in teaching the patient about this treatment?
- A. The patient will be given a low dose of epinephrine before the treatment.
- B. The patient will remain in the clinic to be monitored for 30 minutes following the injection.
- C. Therapeutic failure occurs if the symptoms to the allergen do not decrease after 3 months.
- D. The allergen will be administered by the peripheral intravenous route.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Although severe systemic reactions are rare, the risk of systemic and potentially fatal anaphylaxis exists. Because of this risk, the patient must remain in the office or clinic for at least 30 minutes after the injection and is observed for possible systemic symptoms. Therapeutic failure is evident when a patient does not experience a decrease in symptoms within 12 to 24 months. Epinephrine is not given prior to treatment and the IV route is not used.
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A patient is receiving a transfusion of packed red blood cells. Shortly after initiation of the transfusion, the patient begins to exhibit signs and symptoms of a transfusion reaction. The patient is suffering from which type of hypersensitivity?
- A. Anaphylactic (type I)
- B. Cytotoxic (type II)
- C. Immune complex (type III)
- D. Delayed type (type IV)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A type II hypersensitivity reaction resulting in red blood cell destruction is associated with blood transfusions. This type of reaction does not result from types I, III, or IV reactions.
A patient has sought care, stating that she developed hives overnight. The nurses inspection confirms the presence of urticaria. What type of allergic hypersensitivity reaction has the patient developed?
- A. Type I
- B. Type II
- C. Type III
- D. Type IV
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Urticaria (hives) is a type I hypersensitive allergic reaction.
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 patient who is scheduled for a skin test informs the nurse that he has been taking corticosteroids to help control his allergy symptoms. What nursing intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. The patient should take his corticosteroids regularly prior to testing.
- B. The patient should only be tested for grass, mold, and dust initially.
- C. The nurse should have an emergency cart available in case of anaphylaxis during the test.
- D. The patients test should be cancelled until he is off his corticosteroids.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Corticosteroids and antihistamines, including over-the-counter allergy medications, suppress skin test reactivity and should be stopped 48 to 96 hours before testing, depending on the duration of their activity. Emergency equipment must be at hand during allergy testing, but the test would be postponed.
A patient has been living with seasonal allergies for many years, but does not take antihistamines, stating, When I was young I used to take antihistamines, but they always put me to sleep. How should the nurse best respond?
- A. Newer antihistamines are combined with a stimulant that offsets drowsiness.
- B. Most people find that they develop a tolerance to sedation after a few months.
- C. The newer antihistamines are different than in years past, and cause less sedation.
- D. Have you considered taking them at bedtime instead of in the morning?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Unlike first-generation H1 receptor antagonists, newer antihistamines bind to peripheral rather than central nervous system H1 receptors, causing less sedation, if at all. Tolerance to sedation did not usually occur with first-generation drugs and newer antihistamines are not combined with a stimulant.