Epinephrine Administration (Epi-Pen)

Therapeutic Effects

1: Relieves severe allergic reactions

2: Constricts blood vessels and dilates bronchioles

Indications

1: Patients exhibiting signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction: (Swelling of the Airway, Respiratory Distress, Hypotension)

2: Medication is prescribed for this patient

3: Medical direction authorizes use (On of OFF line

Contraindications

1: No contraindications if used in a life-threatening situation

Side Effects

1: Tachycardia and/ or excitability

2: Chest pain

3: Headache

4: Dizziness

5: Pallor

6: Nausea and/ or vomiting

“Rights” of Medication Administration 1

Right Patient: Is this the patient’s name on the medication label?

“Rights” of Medication Administration 2

Right Medication & Indication: Check medication label and make sure it is the right medication for the patient’s condition

“Rights” of Medication Administration 3

Right Route: Verify the route of the medication

“Rights” of Medication Administration 4

Right Dose: Verify the form and dose of the medication

“Rights” of Medication Administration 5

Right Time: Verify expiration date, condition of medication, give at correct time intervals

“Rights” of Medication Administration 6

Right Education: Inform the patient of the medication you intend to administer

“Rights” of Medication Administration 7

Right to Refuse: Patients with decision-making capacity

“Rights” of Medication Administration 8

Right Response and Evaluation: Monitor ABC’s, vital signs, and mental status

“Rights” of Medication Administration 9

Right Documentation: Dose, Action, Route, Time (DART), and response (+/-/ unchanged)

Demonstration 1-4

1: Take and verbalize Standard Precautions

2: Obtain SAMPLE, OPQRSTI, and Baseline Vitals, unless life threating, then take vitas after medication administration

3: Expose and look for Urticaria, stingers, etc.

4: Confirm the patient has their own auto-injector and protocols indicate administration

Demonstration 5

5: Place SHARPS container within arm’s reach

6: Confirm and verbalize