The nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving an IV antibiotic and develops wheezes and dyspnea. In which order should the nurse implement these prescribed actions?
- A. Discontinue the antibiotic infusion.
- B. Give diphenhydramine IV.
- C. Inject epinephrine IM.
- D. Start 100% oxygen using a nonrebreather mask.
Correct Answer: A,D,C,B
Rationale: The nurse should initially discontinue the antibiotic, since it is the likely cause of the allergic reaction. Next, oxygen delivery should be maximized, followed by treatment of bronchoconstriction with epinephrine administered IM or IV. Diphenhydramine will work more slowly than epinephrine, but will help prevent progression of the reaction.
You may also like to solve these questions
Which of the following instructions should the nurse include when teaching a patient with possible allergies about intradermal skin testing?
- A. Do not eat anything for about 6 hours before the testing.'
- B. Take an oral antihistamine about an hour before the testing.'
- C. Plan to wait in the clinic for 20-30 minutes after the testing.'
- D. Reaction to the testing will take about 48-72 hours to occur.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Allergic reactions usually occur within minutes after injection of an allergen, and the patient will be monitored for at least 20 minutes for anaphylactic reactions after the testing. Medications that might modify the response, such as antihistamines, should be avoided before allergy testing. There is no reason to be NPO for skin testing. Results with intradermal testing occur within minutes.
Which of the following adverse effects is related to cyclosporine administration?
- A. Nephrotoxicity
- B. Aseptic necrosis
- C. Peptic ulcer
- D. Leukopenia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Nephrotoxicity is the most severe adverse effect of cyclosporine. Aseptic necrosis, peptic ulcer, and leukopenia are all adverse effects of the use of corticosteroids, for example, prednisone.
Which of the following adverse reactions should the nurse monitor when a patient is undergoing plasmapheresis?
- A. Shortness of breath
- B. High blood pressure
- C. Transfusion reactions
- D. Hypotension and paresthesia
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hypotension and paresthesia may occur as the result of plasmapheresis. Citrate is used as an anticoagulant and may cause hypocalcemia, which may manifest as headache, paresthesias, and dizziness. The other clinical manifestations are not associated with plasmapheresis.
The nurse discusses the prevention and management of allergic reactions with a patient who is a beekeeper and has developed a hypersensitivity to bee sting. Which of the following patient statements indicates a need for additional teaching?
- A. I will plan to take oral antihistamines daily before going to work.'
- B. I will get a prescription for epinephrine and learn to self-inject it.'
- C. I should wear a Medic Alert bracelet indicating my allergy to bee stings.'
- D. I am going to need job retraining so that I can work in a different occupation.'
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Since the patient is at risk for bee stings and the severity of allergic reactions tends to increase with added exposure to allergen, taking oral antihistamines will not adequately control the patient's hypersensitivity reaction. The other patient statements indicate a good understanding of management of the problem.
The nurse is completing an assessment and health history with a patient. Which of the following statements made by the patient should alert the nurse to a possible immunodeficiency disorder?
- A. I take one baby Aspirin every day to prevent stroke.'
- B. I usually eat eggs or meat for at least two meals a day.'
- C. I had my spleen removed many years ago after a car accident.'
- D. I had a chest x-ray 6 months ago when I had walking pneumonia.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Splenectomy increases the risk for septicemia from bacterial infections. The patient's protein intake is good and should improve immune function. Daily Aspirin use does not impact immune function. A chest x-ray does not have enough radiation to suppress immune function.
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