Author Question: The patient comes to the emergency department with a severe allergic reaction to peanuts, and is in ... (Read 108 times)

rayancarla1 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The patient comes to the emergency department with a severe allergic reaction to peanuts, and is in serious respiratory distress. The patient's spouse tells the nurse that the patient has a known hypersensitivity to epinephrine (Adrenalin).

What is the best response by the nurse?
1. I will let the physician know about this immediately; we will need to choose an alternative medication.
2. I'm not sure what we can use then. Do you know what has been used before with this allergic response?
3. This is a life-threatening situation; a prior hypersensitivity is not an absolute contraindication.
4. This is a problem; we will need to use IV diphenhydramine (Benadryl).

Question 2

The patient will be receiving dopamine (Dopastat). What equipment will the nurse plan to obtain prior to infusion of this drug?

1. Oxygen cannula
2. Intravenous (IV) pump
3. Pulse oximeter
4. Sequential compression devices

rosiehomeworddo · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale: Although epinephrine is contraindicated for known hypersensitivity to the drug, in life-threatening situations there are no absolute contraindications to its use. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) may not be the best choice, and the nurse must speak with conviction to decrease anxiety in the patient and spouse.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale: Inotropic medications are administered as a continuous infusion based on micrograms per kilograms per minute. Always infuse these medications via an intravenous (IV) pump. A pulse oximeter is an important piece of equipment, but not as important as an intravenous (IV) pump. An oxygen cannula is an important piece of equipment, but not as important as an intravenous (IV) pump. Sequential compression devices are important pieces of equipment, but not as important as an intravenous (IV) pump.