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

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

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

Right Route: Verify the route of the medication

Right Dose: Verify the form and dose of the medication

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

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

Right to Refuse: Patients with decision-making capacity have the right to refuse

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

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 vitals 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 5-8

5: Place SHARPS container within arm’s reach

6: Confirm and verbalize: Contraindications, right patient, expiration date, route (IM), and dose (Pedi 0.15 mg IM, Adult 0.3 mg IM)

7: Explain the procedure to the patient and have them remain still

8: Remove the safety cap from the auto-injector

Demonstration 9–11

9: Place the tip of the auto-injector at a 90 degree angle against the patient’s thigh, laterally midway between the hip and knee. Do not place thumb over end of auto-injector

10: While stabilizing the patient’s leg, push the auto-injector firmly until the injector activates and hold firmly until it discharges completely (3-10s)

11: Immediately discard the auto-injector into the SHARPS container. Must be within arm’s reach.

Demonstration 12-14

12: After 5 minutes reassess and record patient’s condition and vital signs (Specifically: R, LS, Skin Condition)

13: “DART” medication and patient’s response

14: Continue to reassess and properly treat during transport