A 42-year-old male patient is brought to the emergency department by ambulance. The patient is in distress. The nurse suspects an anaphylactic reaction resulting from taking oral penicillin
What assessment findings are important in making this diagnosis? A) Blood pressure (BP): 186/100, difficulty breathing
B) Hematocrit (Hct): 32%, decreased urine output
C) Temperature: 102ยบ, swollen joints
D) Profuse sweating, Blood Pressure: 92/58
A
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An anaphylactic reaction is an immune reaction that causes a massive release of histamine, which results in edema and swelling that can lead to respiratory distress and increased blood pressure. A decreased hematocrit and decreased urine output suggests a cytotoxic reaction. An increased temperature and swollen joints could suggest serum sickness. Profuse sweating and decreased blood pressure may indicate cardiac-related issues.
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