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The referencing and citing of scholarly work is mandatory to support the idea that is being presented in the participation discussion. ALL peer responses require an in text citation, a reference, and 6 or more sentences. References should be between 2018 to 2022.

Post 5:

Hypersensitivity and Anaphylaxis

The immune system plays an important role in protecting the body against disease-causing pathogens. The immune system identifies and destroys antigens that are deemed a threat to the body. However, in some cases, harmless antigens such as dust or pollen grain can be designated as dangerous, triggering a hypersensitive reaction. Signs of a hypersensitive reaction include watery eyes, rash, rhinitis, itching, and scratchy throat, among others. However, a hypersensitive reaction can prolong, leading to anaphylactic shock. Randall (2018) describes anaphylactic shock as an extreme reaction to an allergen. Anaphylactic shock can lead to a decline in blood pressure, reduced heart rate, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. These conditions threaten the patient’s life (MedlinePlus, 2022).

Thus, it is important for a nurse to identify when a patient is having a hypersensitive reaction and going into anaphylactic shock. There are some health problems that mimic the signs of an anaphylactic shock. Thus, it is important for the nurse to distinguish these health issues from anaphylactic shock. The nurse can determine that by looking at the patient’s medical records. Every patient’s record contains details of known allergies and their reaction when exposed to such allergens. This information is crucial in informing the nurse’s next course of action (Randall, 2018).

As pointed out, anaphylactic shock is a life-threatening condition. Therefore, it is important for the nurse to intervene quickly. The nurse is required to administer epinephrine in response to anaphylactic shock. Epinephrine counteracts the effects of histamine, which is released during a hypersensitive reaction. Administering epinephrine can help improve the patient’s symptoms and ultimately save his life. From there, the patient is referred to a physician who monitors the patient to prevent a possible case of biphasic anaphylaxis, an allergic reaction that occurs after the first reaction (Randall, 2018).

References

MedlinePlus. (2022). Anaphylactic shock. https://medlineplus.gov/anaphylaxis.html