Inhaled albuterol is the treatment of choice for an asthma exacerbation, not anaphylaxis. The goal oftreatment for anaphylaxis is the stimulation of alpha1, alpha2, beta1, and beta2receptors to aid invasoconstriction and bronchodilation. Although albuterol does activate beta2receptors, it will not treatthe underlying cause of the difficulty breathing, which is an anaphylactic reaction.Subcutaneous epinephrineEpinephrine administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly is the treatment of choice for anaphylaxis.As a catecholamine, it must be administered parenterally to exert an effect.Which information would the nurse provide to Alyssa and her parents aboutthe use of an epinephrine autoinjector (EpiPen)?Select all that apply.CASE STUDY DETAILS"Take the medication as it is prescribed.""It is acceptable to use the EpiPen when the particles are pink tobrown in color.""Keep an EpiPen available at all times, and store extramedication in a cool, dark place.""There is no need to notify the health care provider if the EpiPenis needed more than twice a week.""The EpiPen must be administered immediately upon the firstoccurrence of difficulty breathing, wheezing, hives, itching,hoarseness, or swelling of the lips and tongue."Exactly!"Take the medication as it is prescribed."
What teaching information should the nurse offer to Alyssa and her parents about the use of the EpiPen?
Select all that apply.
"Take the medication as it is prescribed."
"It is acceptable to use the EpiPen when the particles are pink to brown in color."
"Keep an EpiPen available at all times, and store extra medication in a cool, dark place."
"There is no need to notify the health care provider if the EpiPen is needed more than four times a week."
"The EpiPen must be administered instantly upon the first occurrence of difficulty breathing, wheezing, hives, itching, hoarseness, or swelling of the lips and tongue."
"Take the medication as it is prescribed."
It is important for the family and patient to understand how the medication is to be administered.
"Keep an EpiPen available at all times, and store extra medication in a cool, dark place."
The nurse should make sure that all involved with the care of the patient understand how to use and store the medication prescribed.
"The EpiPen must be administered instantly upon the first occurrence of difficulty breathing, wheezing,
hives, itching, hoarseness, or swelling of the lips and tongue."
This teaching information can help ensure the patient does not have a similar allergic episode in the future.