What is the possible disease process according to the client’s history?
Based on the client’s history, the patient has been experiencing frequent colds, especially in the springs and falls. This is an indication of a type of hypersensitivity to the allergens being propagated by colds and chilly conditions. On exposure to these allergens, the patient’s the body reacts with the various manifestations such as itchy eyes, nasal congestion with watery nasal discharge and a tickling cough at night which however do disappear with the elimination of the allergen,. However, upon subsequent exposure, these symptoms reoccur.
What assessment questions would be useful to ask about her medical and family history?
The nurse has to focus on an assessment of Donna’s family history on allergens as well as the Donna’s workplace conditions and residence. It would also be important to ask Donna of any previous cases of asthma or hay fever, she may have had or can relate to. This information would be helpful in the determination of the primary cause of the hypersensitivity as well as the determination of any other trigger factors. A wider scope of information would help develop an avoidance program that captures all possible allergens for Donna’s case (Jarvis, 2016).
What evidence suggests that Donna does not have an acute severe infection?
While Donna’s has a health issue related to hypersensitivity reactions, it is important to note that all her vital signs have been noted as being within the normal range and therefore this cannot be termed as an acute severe infection. In Donna’s case, we have a case of chronic hypersensitivity which is influenced by the reoccurrence of trigger factors over and over again. The absence of these triggers on the other hand implies or induces the absence of the symptoms or sign,s but has not effect on the vital signs (Kuper, Ruehl-Fehlert, Elmore & Parker, 2013).
If Donna has allergic rhinitis, what type of hypersensitivity reaction is involved?
Donna has type I hypersensitivity also referred to as immediate hypersensitivity. Normally, Type I hypersensitivity reaction is caused by re-exposure to the specific antigen whereby the exposure could be through inhalation, injection, ingestion as well as direct contact (Kuper, Ruehl-Fehlert, Elmore & Parker, 2013).
References
Jarvis, C. (2016). Physical Examination and Health Assessment (7th Ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences.
Kuper, C. F., Ruehl-Fehlert, C., Elmore, S. A., & Parker, G. A. (2013).Immune system. Elsevier Inc..
