Question

A 9-year-old child is being discharged from the hospital after severe urticaria caused by an allergy to nuts. Which instructions would be included in discharge education for the child's parents?

1) Instruct parents and child on how to use an epinephrine administration kit.
2) Use emollient lotions and baths.
3) Apply over-the-counter products such as diphenhydramine.
4) Apply topical steroids to the lesions as needed.

Answer 1

Severe urticaria from a nut allergy warrants priority education on epinephrine kit usage, offering a life-saving response to potential anaphylaxis. Other options like emollients, over-the-counter products, and topical steroids provide symptomatic relief but don't address the acute, severe nature of anaphylactic reactions. Thus the correct answer is 1) Instruct parents and child on how to use an epinephrine administration kit.

Step-by-step explanation:

Severe urticaria, especially when caused by a nut allergy, can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. In such cases, prompt administration of epinephrine is crucial to counteract the allergic response and stabilize the child's condition. The epinephrine administration kit contains a pre-measured dose of epinephrine, which should be administered immediately if the child experiences symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling, or a drop in blood pressure. Proper education on how to use the kit is essential, as timely intervention can be life-saving.

SO, the correct answer is 1) Instruct parents and child on how to use an epinephrine administration kit.