Your patient is a 43-year-old female with a history of peanut allergy. She is complaining of dizziness after eating a casserole that she later discovered contained peanuts. Your physical examination reveals warm, diaphoretic skin; a blotchy, red rash covering her chest and arms; and lung sounds that are clear and equal bilaterally. HR = 122, BP = 124/76, RR = 15 and regular, SaO2 = 97. In addition to providing oxygen, appropriate treatment for this patient includes:
A) IV of NS wide open, epinephrine 1:1000 SC, diphenhydramine IV.
B) IV with crystalloid solution such as lactated Ringer's or normal saline.
C) IV with crystalloid solution such as lactated Ringer's or normal saline, epinephrine 1:1000 SC, diphenhydramine IV.
D) IV with crystalloid solution such as lactated Ringer's or normal saline, epinephrine 1:1000 SC, diphenhydramine IV, nebulized albuterol.
Question 2
You have been called to an industrial warehouse for a young adult male who was exposed to an unknown chemical gas. The patient was immediately removed from the environment and presents to you with a patent airway, burning to the throat with inspiration, and complaint of shortness of breath. His vital signs are: pulse 120, respirations 28, blood pressure 164/60, and SpO2 of 90. In addition, you note bilateral wheezing to the lungs. What should be your first action in caring for this patient?
A) Apply in-line manual spinal stabilization.
B) Administer high-concentration oxygen.
C) Identify the chemical to which he was exposed.
D) Administer a saline mist through a small-volume nebulizer.