Emergency Response to Reactions Flashcards
7 cards from real APHA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Emergency Response to Reactions flashcards as text
A provider notices a patient developing low blood pressure and altered mental status 20 minutes after vaccination. Which condition is most likely?
Answer: Anaphylactic shock
Hypotension with altered mental status 20 minutes post-vaccination is consistent with anaphylactic shock requiring immediate epinephrine.
Which of the following is a contraindication to re-vaccination after a confirmed anaphylactic reaction to a vaccine dose?
Answer: Anaphylaxis to a prior dose of the same vaccine or a vaccine component
Anaphylaxis to a prior dose of the same vaccine or any of its components is a contraindication to future doses of that vaccine.
During an anaphylaxis response, when should a second dose of epinephrine be administered?
Answer: If symptoms persist or recur after 5–15 minutes and the first dose was inadequate
A second dose of epinephrine can be given 5–15 minutes after the first if symptoms persist, recur, or the initial response is inadequate.
What is a key difference between an Arthus reaction and anaphylaxis following vaccination?
Answer: An Arthus reaction is a localized immune complex reaction occurring hours after vaccination, while anaphylaxis is immediate and systemic
Arthus reactions are type III hypersensitivity (immune complex) localized reactions typically appearing 4–12 hours post-injection, distinct from the immediate IgE-mediated systemic response of anaphylaxis.
A patient with a known latex allergy arrives for vaccination. Which precaution is most appropriate?
Answer: Use latex-free vials and syringes and have epinephrine ready
Latex-allergic patients require latex-free equipment for vaccination, and epinephrine must be immediately available in case of reaction.
Which vaccine component is most commonly implicated in immediate allergic reactions to the MMR vaccine?
Answer: Gelatin (used as a stabilizer)
Gelatin, used as a stabilizer in MMR and varicella vaccines, is the most commonly identified allergen responsible for immediate hypersensitivity reactions.
During post-vaccination observation, a teenager suddenly collapses and is found to have a regular pulse and normal blood pressure but is unresponsive. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Answer: Vasovagal syncope
A preserved pulse and normal blood pressure with transient unresponsiveness after vaccination in a teenager most likely represents vasovagal syncope, not anaphylaxis.