Question

Shortly after receiving an injection of a local anesthetic agent, a 22-year-old female client complains of an itchy rash and says she feels like she is wheezing, although she has no history of asthma. Her respiration rate is 24 per minute, breathing is labored, and her pulse is elevated but weak. What is the MOST likely diagnosis for this scenario?

Answer 1

The most likely diagnosis for this scenario is anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. Immediate medical attention should be sought to treat anaphylaxis, including the use of epinephrine to control the immune reaction and prevent further complications.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most likely diagnosis for this scenario is anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. The symptoms described by the client, such as an itchy rash, wheezing, labored breathing, elevated but weak pulse, and difficulty in breathing, are consistent with anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a systemic reaction caused by a massive release of histamines in response to an allergen, and it can be life-threatening.

In this case, the client most likely had an allergic reaction to the local anesthetic agent that was injected. This allergic reaction triggered the release of histamines, causing the symptoms experienced by the client. Immediate medical attention should be sought to treat anaphylaxis, including the use of epinephrine to control the immune reaction and prevent further complications.