Teaching project

Running head: TEACHING EPIPEN ADMINISTRATION

2 TEACHING EPIPEN ADMINISTRATION

Teaching EpiPen Administration

to an Adolescent Patient

Sarah Prouty

West Coast University

Teaching EpiPen Administration

to an Adolescent Patient

Comprehensive Assessment

J.T. is a 12-year-old boy. He was at a barbeque with family and some friends. When he took a drink of his canned soda, a wasp flew out of the can and stung his tongue. Within minutes, his tongue and face started swelling, he developed hives, and he was short of breath and wheezing. He presented to the emergency room with the following vital signs: Blood pressure 74/52, Pulse 132, Respirations 26, Temperature 98.7°F, SaO2 94% room air. He was immediately put on supplemental oxygen. His mother explained what had happened, but she was not aware of any history of allergies. J.T. has younger sisters, and his mother is divorced. His father is somewhat in the picture whenever he decides to come around, and he does not always pay child support. A diagnosis of anaphylaxis was promptly made, and epinephrine was administered via IV route. J.T. was further treated with albuterol solution, corticosteroids, and IV fluids (Miller, 2011). Once stable, the nurse gained a more thorough history, assessment, and began discharge instructions.

Nursing Diagnosis

Ineffective breathing pattern related to bronchospasm and laryngeal edema as evidenced by dyspnea, wheezing, and tachypnea (Martin, 2017).

Deficient knowledge related to lack of exposure as evidenced by patient being unaware of allergy to bee stings (Martin, 2017).

Client Learning Needs Assessment

J.T. was unaware of his allergy to bee stings. Now that he is stable, he is ready to learn about prevention of exposure to allergens and treatment for possible future exposure. J.T. needs to be taught to avoid areas where bees are especially active or with nearby beehives. He should also be instructed to check cans and straws before taking a drink if the beverage was left outside. Wide, open cups are better to be able to see if a bee is inside (Mayo Clinic, 2018). J.T. needs instruction on how to use an EpiPen, and he needs to know when to use it. He needs to come up with a plan to prepare for another possible anaphylactic event, and he needs to alert his family and school of the plan.

Clients Strengths and Weaknesses for Learning

The client was alert, oriented, and ready to learn. He was attentive, and he asked questions to further learn of his diagnosis and treatment. However, he and his mother were worried because they heard that EpiPens can be very expensive. They have insurance, but with their deductible, they are concerned that the price will still be too high and that they won’t be able to afford it. The though of not being able to have access to an EpiPen when he might need one may have been distracting for J.T. and his mother. They understand the importance of having one on hand at all times, but they are not sure they will be able to comply depending on the price.

Teaching/Learning Evaluation

After learning that there is a coupon available for both the brand and generic EpiPen, J.T. and his mother were at ease because they have a better chance of being able to afford the medication. J.T. and his mother both identified what his trigger was, ways he can avoid being stung by a bee in the future, and they demonstrated proper use of administration with a trainer pen. They have come up with a plan in case this happens again, and they are prepared to tell the rest of the family and school faculty about his allergy and what to look out for and do if he gets stung again.

Reflective Analysis

The teaching went very well after coming up with a resource that would help the patient pay for the medication. I used the teach back method to gather information on what the patient learned and to be sure he understood how to administer the medication appropriately. The patient was also given a handout to aide in his learning about his diagnosis and proper medication administration. Resources have been provided if he would like to look further into some of the information we went over regarding anaphylaxis and EpiPen administration.

References

Martin, P. (2017). Anaphylactic Shock Nursing Care Plans. Retrieved from https://nurseslabs.com/anaphylactic-shock-nursing-care-plans/4/

Mayo Clinic. (2018). Bee Sting. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bee-stings/symptoms-causes/syc-20353869

Miller, D. (2011). Anaphylaxis foundations for EMS. Air Medical Analysis. Retrieved from https://www.ems1.com/air-medical-transport/articles/1174749-Anaphylaxis-foundations-for-EMS/