ANNUAL COMPULSORY EDUCATION
ANAPHYLAXIS
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
• Know the definition and the signs & symptoms of anaphylaxis
• Know the non-pharmacological treatments for anaphylaxis
• Become familiar with the BSF policy on anaphylaxis
ANAPHYLAXIS• Otherwise known as “Anaphylactic Shock”• A severe generalized hypersensitivity reaction affecting multiple
organ systems
MAY BE LIFE THREATENING
• Generally begins within a few minutes or up to 30 minutes, but almost always within 2 hours after antigen exposure
ANAPHYLAXIS• Anaphylaxis usually occurs on the 2nd or 3rd exposure to an
allergen – however it can occur on a first exposure as well
• Changes/reactions develop over several minutes and usually involve at least 2 body systems (affecting the skin, respiration, circulation)
• Unconsciousness is rarely the sole manifestation of anaphylaxis – it occurs only as a late event in severe cases
ANAPHYLAXIS – SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT
• Call a Code Blue• Lay the person down with feet elevated• Establish and oral airway & remove restrictive
clothing• Give high flow oxygen using non-rebreather mask• Stay with the person• Offer reassurance until emergency personnel arrive
PHARMACOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT
BSF Policy (RC-04-01-49)
Epinephrine is ONLY used for anaphylaxis POST influenza vaccination or POST Pneumococcal
vaccination • Call Code Blue & request 9-1-1 be called• Administer Epinephrine as prescribed• Stay with the resident until emergency personnel
arrive
EPINEPHRINE
Listed on BSF Standing Order under ”Influenza Management &Pneumococcal Vaccine”
Epinephrine 1:1000 given 0.5 ml intramuscular in the opposite limb of reaction to vaccine
WHO TO REPORT TO?
• Physician• Resident’s Family• Pharmacy• Unit Clerk• Program Manager• Director of Nursing/Care• Administrator
DOCUMENTATION• Total Team Record (TTR)• Medication Administration Record (MAR)• Red Allergy Card• Name Labels• Identification Bracelet
BSF REQUIREMENTS
All RNs & LPNs must complete this Compulsory In-Service annually