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