Albumin Reaction

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi!

I had my second day of clinical where the pt. with CHF was being given Albumin followed by Lasix. Shortly after starting the drip she began itching, welts appeared on her back, sides, and breasts. She also turned red all over her body except for her legs.

Is this a common reaction?

My question is: Is Albumin considered a blood product at your hospital? It is not at my facility. This is why I was able to administer it since SN's are not allowed to administer blood products per policy.

:confused:

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Specializes in Nurse Anesthesia, ICU, ED.

just a thought - if the patient had an unrecognized allergy to sulfa, lasix could be the culprit. otherwise, "albumin" usually comes from animals (cows if i remember) and the pt could have an allergic reaction to that

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Thanks for your reply!

Yes, the pt. was allergic to Sulfa drugs! OMG! Would someone not have caught this?

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Yes albumin is considered a blood product where I work.

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The DO stopped the Albumin because she thought it must be from the Albumin. She continued the Lasix treatment and the pt. is scheduled for another IV push Lasix at 0730 tomorrow morning. Should I call my clinical instructor?

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Specializes in Nurse Anesthesia, ICU, ED.
The DO stopped the Albumin because she thought it must be from the Albumin. She continued the Lasix treatment and the pt. is scheduled for another IV push Lasix at 0730 tomorrow morning. Should I call my clinical instructor?

umm yeah, i would call if I were you; for bonus points suggest etacrynic acid - another loop diuretic that can be safely used in pts with sulfa allergies.

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I just called up to the unit and spoke to her RN for the night. She was going to look through the chart. She didn't sound concerned? She thought it just might be a sensitivity?

I would hate for her to have to go through that again in the morning if that is what caused her reaction.

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Maybe I am over-reacting?

:confused:

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Specializes in ER/ICU/STICU.

Albumin is not considered a blood product where I work.

I don't think you are over-reacting. Itching, redness, and hives is an allergic reaction, not a sensitivity.

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I guess they will find out tomorrow when the pt. gets lasix again at 0730.

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Specializes in maternal child, public/community health.
just a thought - if the patient had an unrecognized allergy to sulfa, lasix could be the culprit. otherwise, "albumin" usually comes from animals (cows if i remember) and the pt could have an allergic reaction to that

So are all people who are allergic to sulfa also allergic to lasix or is there just an increased risk of a reaction? What is the connection between sulfa and lasix? Maybe something every nurse should know but I don't remember hearing it before. One of the things I love about All Nursesis that I learn so many interesting things!

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Specializes in ER/ICU/STICU.
So are all people who are allergic to sulfa also allergic to lasix or is there just an increased risk of a reaction? What is the connection between sulfa and lasix? Maybe something every nurse should know but I don't remember hearing it before. One of the things I love about All Nursesis that I learn so many interesting things!

check out this link

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/482766_4

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