b. Ask these questions of patients.
(1)
Does he have any allergies? If yes, do not give the injection or
(2)
Has he had this serum or antigenic agent earlier?
(3)
Has he ever had an allergic reaction to food or pollen?
c. If you know the patient has hay fever, asthma, or a like allergic disorder, avoid
giving a drug unless absolutely necessary.
d. Injections of any type are more likely to produce an anaphylactic reaction than
e. Skin testing should be done before administering a foreign serum, but be
aware that the testing itself could cause a reaction. Have epinephrine on hand just in
case of a severe reaction. A negative skin test does not always assure complete safety.
f. If a patient is receiving an injection as an outpatient, keep him nearby for at
least 30 minutes after each injection, no matter how many times he has received the
same type of injection.
g. Advise patients who are sensitive to the stings of insects or other allergens to
carry commercial kits equipped with epinephrine. Encourage this person to wear an
identification tag.
MD0588
3-6