Epipen Administration

1
Epipen Administration

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Mary Anne Mignacca, RN

• 2009-2010

2
GOAL

• Prevent Anaphylactic Shock
• Recognize signs of severe allergic reaction.
• Difficulty breathing
• Tongue swells
• Tightness in throat/chest
• Wheezing and/or coughing
• Pale / shaky
• Drop in blood pressure

3
Parts of an Epipen
4
WARNING

• -- Never put thumb, fingers, or hand over black
  tip.
• Needle comes out of black tip.

5
Procedure

• Help Victim SIT DOWN
• Hold Epipen with black tip down. Remove gray cap
• Hold the leg firmly
• Place black tip on the SIDE of the outer thigh at
  a 90 degree angle
• Apply FIRM downward pressure until you hear a
  CLICK.

6
Procedure

• VERY IMPORTANT Continue to apply pressure after
  the click --Count slowly to 30.
• Remove the needle quickly and rub the thigh to
  aid absorption of epinephrine
• Check black tip
• -- if needle is exposed, the dose has been given
• -- if not, repeat above procedure

7

• Note most of the liquid (about 90) stays in the
  auto-injector and cannot be reused.
• Stay with victim.
• Have someone call 911

8

• Bend the needle back against a hard surface.
• Carefully put the unit (needle first) back into
  the carrying tube (without the gray activation
  cap)
• Recap the carrying tube.
• Send used Epipen to hospital with victim

9
Side Effects Of Epipen

• Degree of severity varies
• Victim may turn ashen gray or white, extremely
  pale
• Lips quiver
• Hands shake
• Body tremors
• Heart beat/pulse is rapid
• Side effects resolve in 20-30 minutes