What Should the Nurse Do?
Ms. Stein, a 32-year-old female, presents at a local drop-in medical facility with a chief complaint of recurrent episodes of sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes for the past six months. She reports a medical history of seasonal allergies but notes an escalation in symptoms despite over-the-counter antihistamine use. Vital signs reveal a blood pressure of 120/80 mm Hg, heart rate of 78 beats per minute, respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute, and a temperature of 98.6°F. During the assessment, Ms. Stein describes her symptoms worsening during spring and fall seasons. Her family history includes a maternal aunt with a history of severe allergies.
1
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What key symptoms reported by Ms. Stein suggest the possibility of hypersensitivity, and how do they align with the objective related to the role of immunoglobulins in the allergic process?
2
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What nursing interventions can be generated to address Ms. Stein's immediate symptoms, and how do they align with the application of nursing concepts in hypersensitivity care?
Mr. Pratt, a 45-year-old male, has presented to the dermatology clinic with a complaint of persistent, pruritic rash on his hands and forearms for the past month. He reports a history of occasional eczema flare-ups during the winter months but notes that the current episode is more severe and does not respond to over-the-counter creams. Mr. Pratt's vital signs are stable, with a blood pressure of 122/78 mm Hg, heart rate of 82 beats per minute, respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute, and a temperature of 98.9°F. Physical examination reveals erythematous, scaly lesions with occasional vesicles on the dorsal aspects of both hands. He denies any recent exposure to new substances or known allergens.
3
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Considering Mr. Pratt's medical history and the localized nature of his rash, what factors contribute to the analysis of potential triggers and the differentiation of various types of dermatitis.
4
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What nursing interventions can be generated to address Mr. Pratt's immediate symptoms, and how do these interventions align with the application of nursing concepts in dermatitis care?
5
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Based on the prioritized hypotheses, what specific actions should you as a nurse take to confirm the diagnosis, and how do these actions correlate with the description of diagnostics and laboratory values in dermatitis?
6
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A patient exhibits urticaria after taking penicillin for an infection. What should the nurse do?
Alex, a 10-year-old male, is brought to the emergency department by his mother due to a severe allergic reaction after consuming a peanut-containing snack. Alex presents with facial swelling, urticaria, and difficulty breathing. His mother reports that he has a known history of peanut allergy diagnosed in early childhood. Vital signs indicate a blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg, heart rate of 120 beats per minute, respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute, and oxygen saturation of 92%. Alex has no previous history of anaphylaxis, and he has not taken any medication or used an epinephrine auto-injector prior to arrival.
7
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Given the urgency of the situation, what are the priority hypotheses for the nurse to consider in managing Alex's anaphylactic reaction, and how do they guide immediate nursing actions?
8
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What nursing interventions can be generated to address the immediate needs of Alex, and how do they align with the application of nursing concepts in managing acute food allergies?
9
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Based on the prioritized hypotheses, what specific actions should the nurse take to stabilize Alex and initiate ongoing care, and how do these actions correlate with the description of diagnostics and laboratory values for food allergies?
10
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A nurse is setting up the operating room for a patient with a known latex allergy. What should the nurse do?
11
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The nurse is caring for a patient on an intensive care unit. The patient has critically low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. The nurse has begun administering a blood transfusion as ordered by the provider. The patient begins to exhibit wheezing and shortness of breath. What should the nurse do?