4 Drug Allergies and Hypersensitivity Free Online FlashCards

What makes a drug reaction an allergy?

A drug allergy is an immune-mediated reaction to a medication.

What does nausea alone after a first dose suggest?

Nausea alone is more consistent with a side effect than an allergic reaction.

Which skin symptoms can suggest drug hypersensitivity?

Hives, itching, or swelling can suggest hypersensitivity.

Can anaphylaxis occur without skin symptoms?

Anaphylaxis is an emergency that can involve breathing or circulation problems, sometimes without skin symptoms.

What is the first response to hives during an infusion?

Stop the infusion and assess airway, breathing, circulation, and vital signs.

What is the priority medication response to suspected anaphylaxis?

Stop the medication, activate the emergency response, and give intramuscular epinephrine promptly under the applicable protocol or order.

How should nausea alone be documented?

Assess severity and related symptoms, document the experience, and communicate with the prescriber or pharmacist as appropriate. Do not label the patient allergic based on nausea alone.

After assessing isolated hives, what should the nurse do?

Notify the prescriber, follow the facility’s reaction protocol, and observe for progression.

When may an antihistamine help isolated hives, and can the drug be restarted?

A prescribed antihistamine may help isolated skin symptoms, but do not restart the medication unless specifically directed.

What do hoarseness, wheezing, widespread hives, and light-headedness suggest?

Hoarseness, wheezing, widespread hives, and light-headedness developing minutes after medication suggest suspected anaphylaxis.

Why must antihistamines not be given instead of epinephrine for anaphylaxis?

Epinephrine is first-line. Antihistamines may relieve itching or hives but do not adequately treat dangerous airway or circulation problems and must not delay epinephrine.

Should heart disease be a reason to withhold epinephrine for anaphylaxis?

No. Do not withhold indicated epinephrine because of heart disease concerns; monitor the patient and continue emergency care according to protocol.