This 30 minute module is designed to assist the school nurse in staff training of management of life-threatening allergic reactions and increase food allergy awareness for all school staff including teachers, food service personnel, administrators, aides, specialists, coaches, bus drivers, custodians and others.
FOOD ALLERGY MYTH
“Epinephrine auto-injectors can’t be upsized to the 0.3mg dose until 66 lbs.”
FOOD ALLERGY FACT
American Academy of Pediatrics publication suggests upsizing auto-injectors at 55 lbs (25 kg).
COMMENTARY:
The appropriate weight for upsizing has been at times the center of confusion as the PDR uses a 66 lbs cut off (which would result in a considerable underdose). The issue of when to upsize has recently gained attention as more states are implementing stock auto-injector laws and standing orders need to designate a cutoff marker for when to updose. Also, as getting a weight may not be appropriate in these situations, alternative approaches to determining when to go the the adult doses like length, age and grade level are considerations.
RESOURCES:
REFERENCES:
- Sicherer and Simons. Self-injectable Epinephrine for First-Aid Management of Anaphylaxis. Pediatrics. 2007 Mar;119(3):638-46.