Gave my first epi-pen yesterday...

Published

Specializes in ED, School Nurse.

Student ate a granola bar and a bag of flavored chips. Then she broke out in hives. I gave her Benadryl. Then the hives got worse. No other symptoms. I gave her more Benadryl and called mom to come get her. As mom was on her way, student started c/o shortness of breath. "I feel like there's a bubble in my chest." Epi-pen given. Called 911. Called mom again so she would know what happened and so she wouldn't panic when she saw the ambulances in the parking lot.

I worked in the ER, so I have treated many allergic reactions, but I have never actually used an Epi-pen before. I guess I can check that one off my bucket list (?!?) now.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Woah, did she know she had an allergy to something she ate?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

How's the kid?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hope everything turned out ok. I had to use one on my ex husband twice!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in kids.
Student ate a granola bar and a bag of flavored chips. Then she broke out in hives. I gave her Benadryl. Then the hives got worse. No other symptoms. I gave her more Benadryl and called mom to come get her. As mom was on her way, student started c/o shortness of breath. "I feel like there's a bubble in my chest." Epi-pen given. Called 911. Called mom again so she would know what happened and so she wouldn't panic when she saw the ambulances in the parking lot.

I worked in the ER, so I have treated many allergic reactions, but I have never actually used an Epi-pen before. I guess I can check that one off my bucket list (?!?) now.

I have used Epi 1x on a kid and twice on staff (and once inadvertently on myself :blink:).

All 3 were previously undiagnosed allergies.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED, School Nurse.

The student has multiple known allergies to lots of antibiotics with anaphylactic reactions. No known food allergies.

Student came to see me this morning and mom called this morning as well. Student is at school and fine today. She is taking prednisone for a bit and one other medication that mom and student could not recall the name of. They are questioning possible nut allergy, and a referral for allergy testing has been made. Student will have her own epi-pens this afternoon after they get them from the pharmacy (I would have gotten them last night, but that's just me I guess). Mom said the ER physician was impressed with how quickly I made the decision to epi the student. She said the doc said most people wait too long to make the decision to epi, and I actually teach that when I do Epi-pen training. Now I have a real life example to cite!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.
Multiple known allergies to lots of antibiotics with anaphylactic reactions. No known food allergies.

Student came to see me this morning and mom called this morning as well. Student is at school and fine today. She is taking prednisone for a bit and one other medication that mom and student could not recall the name of. They are questioning possible nut allergy, and a referral for allergy testing has been made. Student will have her own epi-pens this afternoon after they get them from the pharmacy (I would have gotten them last night, but that's just me I guess). Mom said the ER physician was impressed with how quickly I made the decision to epi the student. She said the doc said most people wait too long to make the decision to epi, and I actually teach that when I do Epi-pen training. Now I have a real life example to cite!!!

Fantastic nursing bobcat! See, like I said, it's what we're about - snatching kids from the jaws of death - one kid at a time. You make us proud!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in School nursing.

You always remember your first.

And a good outcome is worth its weight in gold. Good for you, Ohiobobcat!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in kids.

Well done Ohiobobcat!!! :yes: Glad she had a good outcome,once again, the need for a rapid, accurate and professional clinical assessment!!

Every kid deserves a school nurse!!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in School Nursing.

Way to go !! We are certainly proud of you ! I have never given Epi and hope I never need to. :eek:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Mom said the ER physician was impressed with how quickly I made the decision to epi the student. She said the doc said most people wait too long to make the decision to epi, and I actually teach that when I do Epi-pen training. Now I have a real life example to cite!!!

Wow! Way to go!! Thank God that you were there and that you had stock epi! Can you imagine what story we might be reading if there was no nurse in your school?? Too scary to think about.

Very proud of you and proud to be a school nurse!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in School Nursing, Hospice,Med-Surg.

Thank you for sharing your story, bobcat! You made my heart race a little this morning...no epi needed.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion