Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. ANAPHYLAXIS PROTOCOL POLICY AND PROCEDURE Purpose To delineate guidelines for the clinicians to follow in the event of anaphylactic reaction. Policy Licensed nurses may administer medications for emergency use in the event anaphylactic reaction when administering medications. The medications are to be given according to a physicians order. Definition Signs and Symptoms of Anaphylaxis: 1. Respiratory distress, dyspnea, wheezing, choking, cyanosis. 2. Dermatologic changes: Urticaria, erythema, anigoedema, pruritus. 3. Gastrointestinal complaints: nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea. 4. Vascular response: rapidly failing blood pressure, chills, sweating. Procedure 1. Obtain baseline nursing assessment and vital signs. 2. Review patients prior response to medications. Specifically inquire about allergies. 3. Instruct patient as to signs and symptoms to report at once. 4. Have telephone available use 911 if indicated. 5. Have anaphylactic kit within reach. The kit will be in the home only when ordered by the physician. 6. If administering infusion therapy and a reaction occurs, stop flow of drug 7. Evaluate signs and symptoms rapidly. 8. CALL 911 as indicated. 9. Notify physician and follow orders received, 1 0. Administer medications from an anaphylaxis kit according to physician prescribed directions. 11. Monitor patients vital signs. If patient is hypotensive, keep him/her supine and elevate his legs. 12. Remain with patient until paramedics arrive. 13. If cardiopulmonary arrest occurs, begin resuscitation. Home Health Agency Nursing Manual J-38