Antibiotic Cross-Sensitivities Cross-reactivity General—a drug never before taken, but with structural similarity to a drug previously taken, may elicit allergic side effects given a preexisting immune response elicited by the…
Anaphylaxis Evaluation Description—acute, potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction with systemic effects Clinical: Cardiovascular—lightheaded and syncope secondary to hypotension Respiratory—rhinitis, sneezing → stridor, chest tightness, shortness of breath, wheeze, respiratory arrest Skin—pruritus,…
Allergic Rhinitis (Allergies) Evaluation Description—inflammatory condition of the nasal mucosa Clinical—pruritus (severe itching), sneezing, rhinorrhea, and nasal congestion Mechanism—immunoglobulin E (IgE)-associated response to allergens Epidemiology—15% to 20% prevalence Classification Traditional—seasonal…
Acetaminophen (APAP/Tylenol) Overdose Main pathways for acetaminophen (APAP) metabolism in the normal individual: APAP (˜90%) + glucuronide OR sulfate through conjugation → nontoxic metabolites APAP (˜5%) → toxic NAPQI (N-acetyl-p-benzoquinoneimine),…
Other Miscellaneous Tests Important to the Psychiatrist a. Magnesium 1.8 to 3.0 mg per dL (panic value: <A onclick="get_content(event,'AB1-M12'); return false;" onmouseover="window.status=this.title; return true;" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true;" title="<0.5 or ”…
Pulse Oximetry The normal reference range for arterial oxygen saturation (Sao2) is 95% to 100%. Pulse oximetry measures the oxygen saturation noninvasively, without the need to get the arterial blood…
Tests for Monitoring Anticoagulant Therapy Prothrombin time (PT) 11 to 15 seconds (panic value: ≥30 seconds) NOTE: Thromboplastin converts prothrombin (factor II) to thrombin. The strength of the thromboplastin used…
