Mod 19: Managing Vaccine Reactions

1) In a patient experiencing anaphylaxis, pharmacists should administer epinephrine:

As a first-line treatment

Intramuscularly in the deltoid

Only in conjunction with diphenhydramine

Every 2 minutes until EMS arrives

As a first-line treatment

Comments: Epinephrine is used as first line treatment for anaphylaxis and should be administered intramuscularly into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh. It should be administered every 5 to 15 minutes as needed until EMS arrives, up to 3 doses. Diphenhydramine may be used as adjunctive treatment in some cases, but it is not required.

2) An adverse event that is considered a systemic reaction to a vaccine is:

Tenderness

Wheezing

Fever

Angioedema

Fever

Comments: Fever is considered a systemic reaction. Tenderness is considered a local reaction; angioedema and wheezing are considered allergic reactions.

3) Generalized urticaria following a vaccine is considered:

Unrelated to vaccine administration

A localized reaction

A reactogenicity symptom

An allergic reaction

An allergic reaction

Comments: Local or generalized urticaria is an allergic reaction that may occur following vaccination.

4) Which of the following is considered a systemic symptom of anaphylaxis?

Diarrhea and vomiting

Fever

Myalgia

Headache

Diarrhea and vomiting

Comments: Diarrhea and vomiting are systemic symptoms of anaphylaxis. Fever, myalgia, and headaches are systemic reactions but are not considered anaphylactic.

5)

Which of the following over-the-counter medications may be recommended to treat systemic reactions after vaccination?

NSAIDs and acetaminophen

Diphenhydramine and guaifenesin

Loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate

Dextromethorphan and cetirizine

NSAIDs and acetaminophen

Comments: NSAIDs and acetaminophen may be used to treat fever and pain, which may occur as systemic reactions to vaccines.