Dela Pena, Aira M.

CN 112
BSN 3-A Activity 1

1. Anaphylaxis

• Causes:
Anaphylaxis is a severe, rapid allergic reaction to allergens like peanuts, shellfish, medications, or insect
stings. It is caused by the immune system releasing a large amount of histamine and other chemicals into
the bloodstream. This leads to systemic inflammation and life-threatening symptoms.
• Laboratory Tests (with Nursing Considerations):
Serum tryptase levels, which rise within hours of a reaction, are used to confirm anaphylaxis. Nurses
must prioritize ABCs—airway, breathing, circulation—while monitoring oxygen saturation and cardiac
status. Close observation is crucial as symptoms can return even after initial treatment.
• Signs and Symptoms:
Common signs include sudden difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and throat, hives, wheezing, and
a drop in blood pressure. The patient may appear cyanotic and feel dizzy or faint due to poor circulation.
• Medical Management (with Nursing Considerations):
Immediate intramuscular epinephrine is the first-line treatment. Supportive care includes antihistamines,
corticosteroids, oxygen, and IV fluids. Nurses should stay prepared for intubation and monitor the
patient for biphasic reactions (symptom recurrence).

2. Allergic Rhinitis

• Causes:
Allergic rhinitis is triggered by inhaled allergens like dust, mold spores, pet dander, or pollen. These
allergens stimulate the immune system to produce histamine, causing inflammation of the nasal
passages. It can be seasonal or perennial, depending on the allergen.
• Laboratory Tests (with Nursing Considerations):
Diagnostic testing includes skin prick testing or blood tests like RAST to detect allergen-specific IgE.
Nurses should be vigilant for mild to moderate allergic reactions during testing, and emergency
medications should be readily available.
• Signs and Symptoms:
Symptoms include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and postnasal drip. These symptoms can
interfere with sleep and daily functioning if untreated.
• Medical Management (with Nursing Considerations):
Treatment includes antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal corticosteroids. Nurses should educate
patients on allergen avoidance and the proper technique for using nasal sprays to reduce side effects and
ensure effectiveness.

3. Contact Dermatitis

• Causes:
This condition results from direct contact with irritants (e.g., detergents) or allergens (e.g., poison ivy,
latex). The skin reacts with inflammation due to a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction. Repeated
exposure worsens symptoms over time.
• Laboratory Tests (with Nursing Considerations):
Patch testing may be used to identify the specific allergen, but it should only be performed when there is
no active skin flare. Nurses must monitor for any reactions during the testing process and ensure the
patient’s comfort.
• Signs and Symptoms:
Patients develop red, itchy, sometimes blistered or dry skin at the contact site. The rash is often painful
and may peel or crack.
• Medical Management (with Nursing Considerations):
Topical corticosteroids and antihistamines are commonly used to reduce inflammation and itching.
 Nurses should advise patients to avoid the identified triggers and use gentle, fragrance-free skin
products.

4. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

• Causes:
RA is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovial joints.
The exact cause is unknown, but genetics, infections, and environmental factors are believed to play a
role. It leads to joint destruction over time if untreated.
• Laboratory Tests (with Nursing Considerations):
Blood tests like RF, anti-CCP, ESR, and CRP help diagnose RA and monitor inflammation. Nurses
should monitor for side effects of medications like methotrexate (e.g., liver toxicity) and educate
patients on regular lab follow-ups.
• Signs and Symptoms:
Symptoms include symmetrical joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, especially in the morning. Over time,
joint deformities, fatigue, and reduced mobility may occur.
• Medical Management (with Nursing Considerations):
Treatment includes DMARDs, corticosteroids, and NSAIDs. Nurses play a role in medication education,
monitoring for infection, and encouraging joint-friendly physical activity.

5. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

• Causes:
SLE is a multisystem autoimmune disease that causes widespread inflammation. The exact trigger is
unknown, but it may involve genetic predisposition, hormones (especially estrogen), and environmental
triggers like sunlight. Women of childbearing age are most affected.
• Laboratory Tests (with Nursing Considerations):
ANA, anti-dsDNA, anti-Smith antibodies, and CBC are commonly done to confirm diagnosis and assess
severity. Nurses should closely monitor kidney function, as lupus nephritis is a serious complication.
• Signs and Symptoms:
Common symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, the butterfly-shaped facial rash, photosensitivity, and
mouth ulcers. Flare-ups may affect the kidneys, brain, or heart.
• Medical Management (with Nursing Considerations):
Corticosteroids, NSAIDs, and immunosuppressants help control inflammation. Nurses must teach
patients to avoid sun exposure, recognize flare symptoms early, and adhere to medication regimens.

6. Psoriasis

• Causes:
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition where skin cells multiply too quickly, leading to scaling and
inflammation. Triggers include stress, infection, cold weather, and skin injuries. It often runs in families.
• Laboratory Tests (with Nursing Considerations):
Skin biopsy may be used for diagnosis if the presentation is unclear. Nurses should assess for joint
symptoms indicating psoriatic arthritis.
• Signs and Symptoms:
Thick, red plaques covered with silvery-white scales are typically seen on the elbows, knees, and scalp.
Patients may also report itching, burning, or cracking skin.
• Medical Management (with Nursing Considerations):
Treatment involves topical corticosteroids, light therapy, and systemic drugs (like biologics). Nurses
should educate on proper skin care, avoiding scratching, and identifying flare triggers.

7. Scleroderma

• Causes:
Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune disease that leads to hardening and thickening of the skin and
connective tissues. Its cause is unknown but may be linked to abnormal collagen production. It can
affect only the skin (localized) or internal organs (systemic).
• Laboratory Tests (with Nursing Considerations):
ANA, anti-Scl-70, and anticentromere antibodies are used for diagnosis. Nurses should monitor for
pulmonary, cardiac, and renal involvement regularly.
• Signs and Symptoms:
Patients may experience tight, shiny skin, Raynaud’s phenomenon (fingers turning white/blue in cold),
and difficulty swallowing. Internal complications may involve the lungs, heart, or kidneys.
• Medical Management (with Nursing Considerations):
Immunosuppressants and vasodilators are often prescribed. Nurses must help prevent skin breakdown,
manage pain, and support nutrition for those with swallowing difficulties.

8. Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

• Causes:
MS is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the myelin sheath in the central
nervous system. This slows or blocks communication between the brain and body. The cause is not fully
understood but involves genetics and environmental triggers.
• Laboratory Tests (with Nursing Considerations):
MRI is used to detect CNS lesions, and CSF analysis may show oligoclonal bands. Nurses must monitor
for new neurologic symptoms and educate about relapse management.
• Signs and Symptoms:
Patients may experience vision changes, muscle weakness, numbness, fatigue, and problems with
coordination. Symptoms often come and go in episodes or worsen progressively.
• Medical Management (with Nursing Considerations):
Immunomodulators and corticosteroids help manage disease progression and flare-ups. Nurses should
implement fall precautions and teach energy-conservation strategies.

9. Myasthenia Gravis

• Causes:
Myasthenia gravis is caused by antibodies that interfere with acetylcholine receptors at the
neuromuscular junction. This disrupts the signals from nerves to muscles, causing weakness. It is
considered a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder.
• Laboratory Tests (with Nursing Considerations):
Blood tests for AChR antibodies and the edrophonium (Tensilon) test help confirm diagnosis. Nurses
must watch for respiratory difficulty during testing and treatment.
• Signs and Symptoms:
Patients commonly present with muscle weakness that worsens with activity, drooping eyelids (ptosis),
and difficulty swallowing. Respiratory involvement may occur in severe cases.
• Medical Management (with Nursing Considerations):
Anticholinesterase medications (e.g., pyridostigmine), corticosteroids, and sometimes IVIG are used.
Nurses must monitor for myasthenic versus cholinergic crisis and maintain airway safety.

10. Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)

• Causes:
GBS is often triggered by a recent bacterial or viral infection, such as Campylobacter or respiratory
viruses. The immune system mistakenly attacks peripheral nerves, leading to demyelination. It is an
acute condition that can become life-threatening.
• Laboratory Tests (with Nursing Considerations):
A lumbar puncture showing high CSF protein and EMG studies support diagnosis. Nurses must
frequently assess respiratory status due to risk of paralysis.
• Signs and Symptoms:
GBS typically begins with weakness or tingling in the legs that ascends to the upper body. Loss of
reflexes and breathing difficulty may follow.
• Medical Management (with Nursing Considerations):
IVIG and plasmapheresis are main treatments to reduce immune response. Nurses focus on airway
support, turning schedules, DVT prevention, and communication assistance if paralysis affects speech.