-- Despite your location in the ER, treat all 'in extremis' patients with the same approach:
ABCs, reversible causes (glucose, narcan, epi), resuscitate patient and then move to higher care area
-- Contrast reactions cause an anaphylactoid reaction, which is treated with same supportive measures as an allergic reaction (epi, steroids, antihistamines)
-- There are almost no contraindications to receiving contrast (the shaky area is with CKD or patients with AKI) - be sure to hydrate patients before and after scans if they can tolerate it
-- Only need to order irradiated or CMV negative blood products for patients with leukemia/lymphoma or transplant patients
-- Order Type and Screen (rather than T&C) on patients unless they need to be transfused in the ED/imminently.
-- You can order MTP on patient as soon as they are registered; however, keep cooler closed until you definitively know you will need to transfuse
ABCs, reversible causes (glucose, narcan, epi), resuscitate patient and then move to higher care area
-- Contrast reactions cause an anaphylactoid reaction, which is treated with same supportive measures as an allergic reaction (epi, steroids, antihistamines)
-- There are almost no contraindications to receiving contrast (the shaky area is with CKD or patients with AKI) - be sure to hydrate patients before and after scans if they can tolerate it
-- Only need to order irradiated or CMV negative blood products for patients with leukemia/lymphoma or transplant patients
-- Order Type and Screen (rather than T&C) on patients unless they need to be transfused in the ED/imminently.
-- You can order MTP on patient as soon as they are registered; however, keep cooler closed until you definitively know you will need to transfuse