Case 3
The patient lives with her partner. She works as a marketing executive. She has a history of severe peanut allergy diagnosed in childhood and has had one prior anaphylactic reaction requiring hospital admission. No safeguarding concerns are recorded.
The Patient was assessed immediately by Nurse Hannah Carter, Practice Nurse, who recorded BP 88/54 mmHg, pulse 124 regular, RR 28, SpO₂ 93% on air. Widespread urticaria was noted. Hoarse voice and difficulty swallowing were observed.
You are a 30-year-old woman who attended the surgery for a routine appointment and suddenly developed symptoms in the waiting room 10 minutes ago after eating a chocolate bar that may have contained nuts. You have a known severe peanut allergy and normally carry an adrenaline auto-injector, but you left it at home today. You now feel your throat tightening, difficulty swallowing, itching all over, and a widespread raised rash over your arms and chest. You feel lightheaded and slightly short of breath. No chest pain. No vomiting yet, but you feel nauseated.
You are frightened and struggling to speak in full sentences. If asked directly, you confirm a known peanut allergy diagnosed in childhood.
You are acutely unwell and unable to stand without support. You feel your symptoms worsening quickly.
You believe you are having another allergic reaction.
You are scared that your throat will close completely.
You expect immediate treatment.
Rapid onset airway symptoms, urticaria, lightheadedness following allergen exposure. High suspicion of anaphylaxis. Safeguarding consideration as patient forgot to carry prescribed adrenaline auto-injector. No occupational hazards.
Positive indicators
Negative indicators
Positive indicators
Negative indicators
Positive indicators
Negative indicators
Recognising life-threatening anaphylaxis with airway compromise and hypotension requiring immediate emergency treatment.
Care of Acutely Ill People; Allergy and Immunology.
Demonstrates prompt ABC assessment, intramuscular adrenaline administration and urgent ambulance escalation in primary care emergencies.
Emergency and Urgent Care; Clinical Management and Patient Safety.
Highlights patient education on carrying adrenaline auto-injectors and preventing future severe allergic reactions.
Health Promotion and Prevention; Person-Centred Care.
