Question re. applying a tourniquet post flu shot anaphylaxis

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in Gen Surg, Peds, family med, geriatrics.

Tell me something....if someone is having an anaphylactic reaction after receiving the flu shot (or any other immunization) do you or do you not apply a tourniquet above the injection site???

I'm going to be organizing and running a whole bunch of flu shot clinics this year and have been researching anaphylactic reaction protocols. The Immunization Protocols for Quebec (Canada) make no mention of using a tourniquet but I have read others that do.

I'm going to follow my provincial recommendations but am wondering if anyone here does use a tourniquet and what the rationale is. By the time an anaphylactic reaction has started, the immunization is already systemic...wouldn't applying a tourniquet be a bit of a moot point by then? Especially since you have to release it for one minute every three minutes.

Thanks in advance!

Laura

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Specializes in CVICU.

I agree that it would do no good. It's already systemic like you said. Time would be better spent maintaining the airway and BP

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Tell me something....if someone is having an anaphylactic reaction after receiving the flu shot (or any other immunization) do you or do you not apply a tourniquet above the injection site???

I'm going to be organizing and running a whole bunch of flu shot clinics this year and have been researching anaphylactic reaction protocols. The Immunization Protocols for Quebec (Canada) make no mention of using a tourniquet but I have read others that do.

I'm going to follow my provincial recommendations but am wondering if anyone here does use a tourniquet and what the rationale is. By the time an anaphylactic reaction has started, the immunization is already systemic...wouldn't applying a tourniquet be a bit of a moot point by then? Especially since you have to release it for one minute every three minutes.

Thanks in advance!

Laura

I have never heard of such a thing. Follow policy where you are but in anaphylaxis.........ABC'S and 911!

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Specializes in LPN, Peds, Public Health.

Agree with the other 2.

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anaphylactic reaction = horse is already out of the barn

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Specializes in Gen Surg, Peds, family med, geriatrics.

THANK YOU!! I've been racking my brain trying to figure out why someone would even bother with a tourniquet.

I feel better now. :yeah:

Laura

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Hi Laura,

I too am running a flu shot clinic for the first time. I'm in Chicago and can't seem to find a "state" protocol for adverse reactions. Where did you find your information for provincial recommendations? I'm hoping not to have any reactions but would like to be prepared just in case. More specifically, aside from calling 911 and BLS measures, should I have anything else on hand...ex: epipen?

Thanks,

amy

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