The nurse notes that the patient is scratching and has hives 2 hours after receiving a dose of antibiotic medication.
The patient soon starts having difficulty breathing and his blood pressure drops. What is the correct analysis of the patient’s condition?
The patient is experiencing a moderate allergic reaction and should improve shortly.
These symptoms are probably due to food poisoning because very few patients have true allergic responses.
The patient is having an anaphylactic reaction and emergency interventions should be started.
The patient is having a mild reaction that can be treated easily with an antihistamine.
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale for Choice A:
Incorrect. While the patient is experiencing an allergic reaction, it is not moderate. The presence of difficulty breathing and a drop in blood pressure are signs of a severe, life-threatening anaphylactic reaction.
Anaphylaxis is a severe, rapid-onset allergic reaction that can lead to death if not treated promptly. It typically involves multiple body systems, including the skin, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, and gastrointestinal system.
Moderate allergic reactions typically present with localized symptoms such as hives, itching, and redness. They do not typically involve respiratory or cardiovascular compromise.
Rationale for Choice B:
Incorrect. The patient's symptoms are not consistent with food poisoning. Food poisoning typically causes gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. It does not typically cause hives, difficulty breathing, or a drop in blood pressure.
The timing of the symptoms, occurring 2 hours after receiving an antibiotic, strongly suggests an allergic reaction to the medication.
Rationale for Choice C:
Correct. The patient's symptoms are consistent with anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate emergency treatment.
Key features of anaphylaxis include:
Skin involvement (hives, itching, flushing, swelling)
Respiratory distress (difficulty breathing, wheezing, tightness in the chest) Cardiovascular compromise (drop in blood pressure, lightheadedness, fainting) Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
Swelling of the tongue or throat
Rationale for Choice D:
Incorrect. The patient's reaction is not mild and cannot be treated with an antihistamine alone. Antihistamines are effective for mild allergic reactions, but they are not sufficient to treat anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis requires immediate treatment with epinephrine, which is a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of the allergic reaction.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Burning dried herbs is a form of traditional medicine, not allopathic medicine.
Traditional medicine encompasses a wide range of practices and therapies that have been used for centuries across different cultures.
It often relies on natural substances and processes, such as herbs, acupuncture, and massage, to promote healing and well- being.
While traditional medicine can offer valuable benefits, it's important to note that it's not always based on scientific evidence and its efficacy can vary depending on the specific practice and condition being treated.
Choice B rationale:
Tai chi exercises are a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), not allopathic medicine.
CAM encompasses a diverse group of therapies that are not considered part of mainstream conventional medicine. Tai chi is a mind-body practice that involves gentle, flowing movements and deep breathing.
It has been shown to offer a range of health benefits, including reducing stress, improving balance, and easing pain.
However, it's important to note that tai chi is not a cure-all and should not be used as a substitute for conventional medical care when necessary.
Choice C rationale:
Prescription of antibiotic medication is a hallmark of allopathic medicine.
Allopathic medicine, also known as conventional or Western medicine, is based on the scientific understanding of the body and disease.
It focuses on diagnosing and treating specific diseases or conditions using medications, surgery, or other interventions that have been proven effective through rigorous scientific research.
Antibiotics are a type of medication that specifically targets and kills bacteria.
They are essential for treating bacterial infections, which can cause a wide range of illnesses, from minor skin infections to life- threatening pneumonia.
Choice D rationale:
Manipulation of the spine, also known as chiropractic care, is a form of CAM, not allopathic medicine. Chiropractic care focuses on the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine.
Chiropractors use manual adjustments to the spine to relieve pain, improve range of motion, and restore function.
While some studies have shown that chiropractic care can be effective for certain conditions, such as lower back pain, it's important to note that it's not a cure-all and should not be used as a substitute for conventional medical care when necessary.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A lactose-free diet does not contraindicate acupuncture therapy. Lactose intolerance is a digestive condition that does not affect blood clotting or the ability to receive acupuncture safely.
Acupuncture needles are very fine and do not typically cause bleeding. Even if minor bleeding occurs, it is not a concern for individuals without bleeding disorders.
Therefore, a lactose-free diet does not pose a risk for acupuncture.
Choice B rationale:
Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by a low platelet count. Platelets are essential for blood clotting. Acupuncture involves the insertion of needles into the skin. This can cause minor bleeding, even when performed correctly.
In individuals with thrombocytopenia, even minor bleeding can be difficult to control and may lead to excessive bruising or hematoma formation.
Therefore, thrombocytopenia is a contraindication to acupuncture therapy due to the increased risk of bleeding complications.
Choice C rationale:
Herniated lumbar disks are a common condition that can cause back pain. Acupuncture is often used to treat back pain, including pain caused by herniated disks.
Studies have shown that acupuncture can be effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with herniated disks.
Therefore, the presence of herniated lumbar disks does not contraindicate acupuncture therapy.
Choice D rationale:
Latex and strawberry allergies are not contraindications to acupuncture therapy. Acupuncture needles are typically made of stainless steel, which does not contain latex.
Additionally, acupuncture does not involve the use of strawberries or any other substances that are common allergens. Therefore, latex and strawberry allergies do not pose a risk for acupuncture.
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