Faculty Presenter

Laura Rooney, DNP, RN, APRN, FNP-BC, DCC, FAANP
Assistant Professor
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
School of Nursing
Houston, Texas

Activity Overview
Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that requires prompt recognition and treatment. The median time to cardiac or respiratory arrest is 30 minutes for foods, 15 minutes for venom, and 5 minutes for medication-induced reactions. Although clinical guidelines are available, recent reports describe a rise in the incidence and prevalence of anaphylaxis. The immediate use of auto-injectable epinephrine (AIE) is preferred first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, however an Anaphylaxis in America survey reports, approximately 50% of patients with a prior allergic reaction had never received a prescription for AIE, and 60% of patients did not have AIE presently available. This webinar will review the treatment of anaphylaxis and discuss an anaphylaxis emergency action plan.

Educational Objectives
At the completion of this activity, the participant will be able to:

• Identify the clinical signs and symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of anaphylaxis
• Explain the role of epinephrine in the treatment of anaphylaxis including pharmacodynamics, when to initiate use, proper dosing, and proper administration
• Illustrate an anaphylaxis emergency action plan, including the important individual components, and review an example