EPI PEN TRAINING KAREN, RN, BSN FARGO SOUTH SCHOOL NURSE

EPI PEN TRAINING KAREN, RN, BSN FARGO SOUTH SCHOOL NURSE

Why use an Epipen? Anaphylaxis Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially lifethreatening allergic reaction caused by contact with certain triggers

CAUSES OF ALLERGIC REACTIONS

Symptoms of Severe Allergic Reaction ü Dizziness/headache ü Irritability ü Flushing of face/chest ü Tightness of throat/chest ü Weak pulse ü Breathing difficulty/wheezing/shortness of breath ü Swelling of the face/tongue/lips ü Itchy skin, hives ü Nausea/vomiting/abdominal cramps ü Seizures ü Loss of consciousness

Food allergies There are eight types of foods that are accountable for 90% of all food-allergic reactions. The foods that most commonly cause anaphylaxis (called allergenic foods) are: Peanuts Tree nuts (walnuts, pecans, etc.) Shellfish Fish Milk Soy Wheat Eggs Sulfites added to foods

Insect Bites normal response to an insect sting may consist of reddening and some pain an anaphylactic response is much more serious and can involve changes in breathing and loss of consciousness. Usually once you have experienced an allergic response you are likely to experience a subsequent response when exposed to the insect culprit, but the severity of the response can vary.

LATEX Natural rubber latex (NRL) has emerged over the last decade as an increasingly common trigger for anaphylaxis-producing allergies: Found in 40,000 household items gloves

MEDICATIONS exact incidence of medication allergies is unknown Common medications that induce allergic reactions include: antibiotics and some heart medications, though there are many other drugs that can cause an allergic response.

EXERCISE INDUCED ASTHMA The initial symptoms of exercise-induced anaphylaxis include: Fatigue Diffuse warmth Skin itching Skin redness Hives Later symptoms may progress to: Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting) Swelling of the throat Loss of consciousness

IDIOPATHIC ANAPHYLAXIS The symptoms of idiopathic anaphylaxis are the same as for other forms of anaphylaxis, with the main symptoms being: Itching Hives Swelling of the throat A drop in blood pressure Irregular heart rhythm Nausea Vomiting Abdominal cramping Loss of consciousness

THE EPI PEN Ø The epi pen contains epinephrine in a premixed one time dosage. (0.3 mg for adults/0.15 mg for Jr.) Ø Epi pens are prescription and need to be obtained thru a physician. Ø Epinephrine is the medication treatment of choice for severe allergic reactions/emergencies. Ø The epi pen is light and temperature sensitive and should be stored at room temperature in a dark place. Ø Epi pens have expiration dates.

Epinephrine C Constricts blood vessels C Relaxes smooth muscles in the lungs improving breathing C Stimulates the heartbeat C Reverses hives and swelling around face/ lips

EPI-PEN PROCEDURE HAVE SOMEONE ELSE CALL 911 CHECK THE EPI PEN SOLUTION COLOR (CLEAR) REMOVE GRAY SAFETY CAP HOLD EPIPEN WITH BLACK TIP AGAINST FRONT SIDE OF MIDDLE THIGH MUSCLE (CAN BE GIVEN THRU CLOTHING) APPLY MODERATE PRESSURE TO HEAR CLICK AND HOLD IN PLACE FOR 10 SECONDS (AUTO INJECTION) REMOVE EPIPEN AND MASSAGE AREA FOR 10 SECONDS BE PREPARED TO BEGIN CPR (KEEP PERSON WARM) STAY WITH PERSON UNTIL HELP ARRIVES SEND EPIPEN WITH EMT TO HOSPITAL EFFECT OF THE INJECTION WEAR OFF AFTER 10-20 MINUTES

WHAT HAPPENS IF IT WASN T NEEDED???? Epinephrine constricts blood flow to skin and mucous membranes resulting in a blanching of the skin at the injection site. It will also increase cardiac rate. Transient effects of epinephrine can also include restlessness, apprehension, headache or tremors. No prolonged effects or significant ill effects have been reported. It s better to give epinephrine if in doubt, then to not give it.

QUESTIONS???