Which action should be taken if signs of an acute allergic reaction occur during an IV infusion?

Which action should be taken if signs of an acute allergic reaction occur during an IV infusion?

• A. Stop the med and call for help.
• B. Increase the infusion rate.
• C. Continue and document.
• D. Administer the same med again.

Answer: (A)

When signs of an acute allergic reaction occur during an IV infusion, the priority is to stop the infusion immediately and summon help. Halting the infusion removes the trigger and helps prevent the reaction from escalating to more dangerous levels. After stopping the administration, quickly assess the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation, monitor vital signs, and follow your facility’s emergency protocol. Be prepared to administer emergency treatments as ordered (such as epinephrine, antihistamines, and steroids) and provide oxygen or other supportive measures as needed while awaiting further instructions. Resuming or continuing the infusion, increasing the rate, or administering the same medication again would risk re-exposure and likely worsen the reaction, so those actions are not appropriate.

When signs of an acute allergic reaction occur during an IV infusion, the priority is to stop the infusion immediately and summon help. Halting the infusion removes the trigger and helps prevent the reaction from escalating to more dangerous levels. After stopping the administration, quickly assess the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation, monitor vital signs, and follow your facility’s emergency protocol. Be prepared to administer emergency treatments as ordered (such as epinephrine, antihistamines, and steroids) and provide oxygen or other supportive measures as needed while awaiting further instructions. Resuming or continuing the infusion, increasing the rate, or administering the same medication again would risk re-exposure and likely worsen the reaction, so those actions are not appropriate.