title: Anesthetic-induced anaphylaxis.
abstract: The purpose of this course is to update nurse anesthetists about anesthetic-induced anaphylaxis. This course discusses the pathophysiologic process of anaphylaxis with descriptions of the allergic immune response and the mediators and mechanisms of mast cell activation. The preoperative identification of patients at high risk and the assessment of potential anesthetic triggers of a hypersensitivity and/or allergic reaction are prudent strategies to minimize the risk of anaphylaxis. Other practices recommended for clinicians include suggestions for anesthetic management to decrease threat of an allergic response in high-risk patients. Furthermore, the identification of the severity grade of hypersensitivity reactions and the appropriate treatment of perioperative anaphylaxis is discussed. In addition, postoperative and follow-up interventions, including testing for patients who have had an anesthetic-induced hypersensitivity reaction, are considered.
authors.affiliation: carolnorred@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Carol L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Norred
mesh_terms: D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D000758:Anesthesia / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D006801:Humans; D009719:Nurse Anesthetists