Question

You respond to the residence of a 55-year-old woman with a possible allergic reaction to peanuts that she ate approximately 30 minutes ago. The patient is conscious and alert, but has diffuse urticaria and the feeling that she has a lump in her throat. As your partner applies oxygen to the patient, you should:

1) ask her if she has prescribed epinephrine.
2) obtain a complete set of baseline vital signs.
3) ascertain if she has a family history of allergies.
4) ask her when her last allergic reaction occurred.

Answer 1

When responding to a possible allergic reaction to peanuts, ensure that the person is conscious and alert. Provide oxygen and obtain baseline vital signs. Asking about the last allergic reaction is not the priority in this situation.

Step-by-step explanation:

When responding to a person experiencing a possible allergic reaction to peanuts, such as diffuse urticaria and the feeling of a lump in the throat, the first step is to ensure that the person is conscious and alert. Then, provide oxygen to the patient to aid their breathing. While your partner provides oxygen, it is important to obtain a complete set of baseline vital signs, including measurements such as blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate. This will help in assessing the patient's overall condition and provide a reference for future comparison.

Asking the patient when their last allergic reaction occurred is not the immediate priority in this situation. The focus should be on providing prompt medical care and stabilizing the patient's condition.