Anaphylactic shock refers to an extreme and life-threatening allergic reaction. It mainly involves a response to allergens such as food, latex, medications, and insect stings. Patients exhibit symptoms in various body systems, which occur within 5 to 30 minutes after exposure to an allergen (LoVerde et al., 2018). Generally, there is light-headedness, dizziness, and fainting. Respiratory signs include rapid respiration, difficulties in breathing, and shortness of breath.
There are itchy swellings under the skin, and poor blood circulation leads to blue skin color. The patient has a swollen throat, hoarse voice, and coughs severally. There is vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, and dysfunction of the myocardium leading to decreased blood pressure and cardiovascular collapse (LoVerde et al., 2018). In the gastrointestinal system, the patient experiences abdominal cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Some conditions such as severe asthma demonstrate similar symptoms as anaphylaxis. Diagnosis and differentiation of the condition from others are critical because it is a life-threatening reaction. Anaphylaxis is highly likely to be the issue if there are sudden onset and rapid progression of the symptoms and conditions, for example, difficulties in breathing or hypotension, detrimental to life. Moreover, changes on the skin such as urticaria, flushing, or angioedema are important too. Cardiac troponins can also be measured for a timely diagnosis in the emergency departments (Kounis et al., 2018). However, the diagnostic tests should never delay the management of the condition.
If a nurse suspects anaphylactic shock, the first step is to give the patient an adrenaline auto-injector in the middle of the other thigh. The causative agent is carefully removed and the patient is put to lie down flat unless they are having difficulties breathing or are pregnant. A second injection is given in 5 to 15 minutes if there is no improvement. Mechanical ventilators and vasopressors are required in patients with compromised vascularity and respiratory issues. Secondary treatment includes administering glucocorticoids, fluids, and bronchodilators.
References
Kounis, N. G., Cervellin, G., Koniari, I., Bonfanti, L., Dousdampanis, P., Charokopos, N…. & Tsolakis, I. (2018). Anaphylactic cardiovascular collapse and Kounis syndrome: Systemic vasodilation or coronary vasoconstriction? Annals of Translational Medicine, 6(17), 332. Web.
LoVerde, D., Iweala, O. I., Eginli, A., & Krishnaswamy, G. (2018). Anaphylaxis. Chest Journal, 153(2), 528-543. Web.