What are key considerations when giving IVIG or other IV meds with the risk of infusion reactions?

What are key considerations when giving IVIG or other IV meds with the risk of infusion reactions?

• A. Monitor for chills, fever, rash, dyspnea; reduce rate or stop infusion if reaction occurs; have emergency equipment ready
• B. Increase rate to minimize reaction
• C. Continue infusion regardless of symptoms
• D. Only check vital signs after infusion completes

Answer: (A)

When IVIG or other IV meds carry a risk of infusion reactions, the priority is early recognition and rapid intervention. Infusion-related symptoms can include chills, fever, rash, and trouble breathing, and these can progress to more serious reactions if not addressed promptly. The best approach is to monitor for those symptoms during the infusion and be ready to intervene by slowing or stopping the infusion at the first sign of a reaction. Have emergency equipment and medications readily available, including someone who can manage airway and circulation and medications such as epinephrine per protocol if anaphylaxis is suspected. After stopping the infusion, assess the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation, treat the symptoms, notify the prescriber, and decide, per protocol, whether it’s safe to resume the infusion at a slower rate or discontinue. Increasing the rate, continuing the infusion despite symptoms, or checking vital signs only after the infusion completes do not allow for timely detection and management of a reaction, increasing the risk of harm.

When IVIG or other IV meds carry a risk of infusion reactions, the priority is early recognition and rapid intervention. Infusion-related symptoms can include chills, fever, rash, and trouble breathing, and these can progress to more serious reactions if not addressed promptly.

The best approach is to monitor for those symptoms during the infusion and be ready to intervene by slowing or stopping the infusion at the first sign of a reaction. Have emergency equipment and medications readily available, including someone who can manage airway and circulation and medications such as epinephrine per protocol if anaphylaxis is suspected. After stopping the infusion, assess the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation, treat the symptoms, notify the prescriber, and decide, per protocol, whether it’s safe to resume the infusion at a slower rate or discontinue.

Increasing the rate, continuing the infusion despite symptoms, or checking vital signs only after the infusion completes do not allow for timely detection and management of a reaction, increasing the risk of harm.