Anaphylaxis in the pediatric patient: optimizing management and prevention

Recent reports describing a rise in serious allergies and life-threatening reactions have prompted the need for pediatric nurse practitioners to re-evaluate and hone their clinical skills with regard to the recognition of anaphylaxis. An accredited symposium entitled, "Anaphylaxis in the Pediatric Patient: Optimizing Management and Prevention" was held in conjunction with the 2012 Annual Conference of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. This article is an accredited enduring activity from that symposium. Goals of this activity are to (a) provide participants with information regarding current trends in serious allergies and anaphylaxis, (b) discuss recommendations from clinical guidelines designed to standardize practice, and (c) address medical and educational needs of patients with anaphylaxis. This article focuses on the point of care where pediatric nurse practitioners require the diagnostic skills to determine whether a patient's acute symptoms are consistent with a diagnosis of anaphylaxis and whether epinephrine should be used to treat those symptoms. The rationale for the use of intramuscular epinephrine, insights into the development and execution of an emergency action plan, and patient education also are discussed.