EPINEPHRINE AUTO-INJECTOR

 

Takes or verbalizes body substance isolation

Completes a full initial assessment

Verbalizes the need for use of an auto-injector

Obtains the patient’s auto-injector

Assures the auto-injector is for the patient

Checks medication for the expiration date

Checks medication for cloudiness or discoloration

Knows the indications, contraindications and side effects of the medication

Removes the safety cap from the injector

Selects the appropriate injection site (lateral portion of thigh)

Pushes the injector firmly against the site

Holds the injector against the site for a minimum of 10 seconds

Verbalizes proper discarding of the used injector

Verbalizes the need for immediate transport to hospital

Verbalizes the ongoing monitoring of the patient while transporting

Verbalizes the documentation of dose, time and place of administration

 

CRITICAL CRITERIA

 

            Did not use proper body substance isolation technique

            Did not complete full assessment including a full set of vital signs

            Did not check medication for prescription, cloudiness or discoloration

            Did not know the indications, contraindications and side effects of the medication

            Did not use the appropriate injection site

            Used the injector against the injections site for less than 10 seconds

            Did not discard the auto-injector in the appropriate manner

            Did not continue ongoing assessment

 

INDICATIONS

               Chief complaint = Allergic reaction with following conditions

                        Difficulty breathing

                        Hives

                        Itching

                        Tongue swelling

                        Patient cannot swallow

                        Past history of allergy and cannot administer on his own

 

SIDE EFFECTS

               Increased heart rate        pallor                          dizziness

               chest pain                          nausea                      vomiting

               excitablility                          anxsiousness          headache

 

NOTE:   State protocol includes NRB mask, placing patient in position of comfort, and ensuring ALS was dispatched.