What is the primary reason for administering Glucagon during an allergic reaction?

Prepare for the New South Wales Ambulance Pharmacology Exam. Use engaging flashcards and multiple choice questions with detailed hints and explanations to maximize your exam readiness.

Multiple Choice

What is the primary reason for administering Glucagon during an allergic reaction?

Explanation:
Administering Glucagon during an allergic reaction primarily serves to raise blood glucose levels. In cases of severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis, patients may experience significant physiological stress, leading to decreased glucose availability due to stress-induced hepatocyte (liver cell) inhibition. Glucagon functions by stimulating gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis in the liver, leading to increased blood glucose levels. This is particularly important because, during an allergic reaction, especially when accompanied by anaphylaxis, the body's demand for energy can increase as it attempts to manage the reaction. Moreover, if the patient is experiencing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), giving Glucagon can be a critical intervention to stabilize their condition by providing an available energy source. While other factors, such as changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and nausea, can be involved in allergic reactions, they are not the primary effects of Glucagon administration in this context. Glucagon's role in elevating blood glucose makes it a key therapeutic agent in crisis situations involving anadrenaline levels and overall metabolic needs.

Administering Glucagon during an allergic reaction primarily serves to raise blood glucose levels. In cases of severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis, patients may experience significant physiological stress, leading to decreased glucose availability due to stress-induced hepatocyte (liver cell) inhibition. Glucagon functions by stimulating gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis in the liver, leading to increased blood glucose levels.

This is particularly important because, during an allergic reaction, especially when accompanied by anaphylaxis, the body's demand for energy can increase as it attempts to manage the reaction. Moreover, if the patient is experiencing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), giving Glucagon can be a critical intervention to stabilize their condition by providing an available energy source.

While other factors, such as changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and nausea, can be involved in allergic reactions, they are not the primary effects of Glucagon administration in this context. Glucagon's role in elevating blood glucose makes it a key therapeutic agent in crisis situations involving anadrenaline levels and overall metabolic needs.

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