Assignment task: Peter is 26 years old and is allergic to penicillin. When he was a child; he developed a rash over his entire body after taking penicillin. He has just been admitted to ED after a crush injury at work and required surgery. His notes clearly state that he is allergic to penicillin. He is prescribed Cefazolin, which is a cephalosporin antibiotic with similar properties to penicillin. Shortly after the first dose, he experiences a rash, audible wheeze, angio-oedema, and pale skin. His BP is low, HR elevated and breathing shallow and rapid. A MET call is made, and Peter is successfully resuscitated using adrenaline.
Q1. Identify and discuss the likely allergic reaction that Peter experienced. Explain why Peter did not experience the same drug allergic reaction, as he experienced in the hospital, when he had penicillin for the first time as a child.
Q2. Discuss the mechanism of action of adrenaline and why it was administered to Peter?