How To Use an EpiPen: Nurses' Guide

Hi friends, in this video we’re going to talk about the EpiPen: what it’s for and how to use one. EpiPens are used for emergency treatment of Type I hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis, severe, life-threatening reactions to allergens, idiopathic and exercise-induced anaphylaxis, and in patients with a history or increased risk of anaphylactic reactions. 💉 The dose for an adult (yellow) EpiPen is 0.3 mg of epinephrine and is used in patients greater than or equal to 30 kg (66 lbs). The dose for the EpiPen Jr. (green) is 0.15 mg of epinephrine and is used in patients 15-30 kg (33-66 lbs). The Epi is to be used in the anterolateral aspect of thigh ONLY! It’s also important to note that as many as 20% of patients may need a second dose due to ongoing symptoms, so know where a second EpiPen is located and make sure the patient gets to the hospital to receive follow-up care immediately. Finally, there are no absolute contradictions to epinephrine administration for an anaphylactic reaction. This means that you don’t worry about “trying something else first”. If the patient is having an anaphylactic reaction, administer the EpiPen immediately. 🏥 To use an EpiPen, remove the plastic container, pull the blue cap on top of the EpiPen, and administer the medication into the anterolateral aspect of thigh (the top outer part). Wondering which side the medication comes out on? Think “Blue to sky and orange to thigh”. Hold the pen in place for 10 seconds to make sure all of the medication is administered. 00:00 Overview 00:30 When to Use an EpiPen 01:33 EpiPen Dosing 02:08 How the EpiPen Works 03:11 Where to Administer 04:00 Demonstration 📚 Source: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed... I’m Anna and I am a critical care registered nurse. I have worked in the NICU, PICU, pediatric floor, and on my hospital’s critical care children’s transport service. I am also a nursing instructor and love teaching students and new nurses! Disclaimer: This video is intended for educational purposes only and is not indented as medical advice. While I strive for 100% accuracy, errors may occur and practices may change over time.