The present case stands for an 18-year-old patient. This patient is already suffering from ADHD. And the report explains to this person, when and how should he use Epi-Pen.
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Previously this disorder was called as Attention deficit disorder (ADD) in the medical dictionary; later on when new symptoms were discovered, then the name of the disease was modified. Such people are unable to set up the pace with the modern scenario at all. This is so because they are inattentive and unable to manage time. Reckless driving, marital trouble, poor listening skills, restlessness and angry outbursts are some of the best diagnosis of this disease. Such a patient makes careless mistakes, and when understands, gets angry over the same.
Now this person has to be instructed to use Epi-Pen.
Epi Pen is the first line treatment for anaphylaxis. This is a condition when the body suffers from an allergy to severe levels, that may be life threatening. Such patients are allergic many types of medicines, insect bites, latex etc.; more important to note is that they are allergic even to food.
National Food Allergy Guidelines, United States has recommended Epi-Pen to be the best treatment for anaphylaxis.
Special features and symptoms in this patient
Since this patient is already affected with ADHD, he will show the following signs and symptoms.
Hyperactivity and impulsivity
Daydreaming
Symptoms of Asthmatic attack
Extremely high blood pressure.
Stuttering is a common symptom.
Anxiety
Mood swings
When to give Epi Pen
If this person has a sudden allergy attack due to food intake, insect bite or any of the causes discussed above; and allergic symptoms are evident, then he should be given Epi-Pen.
How to give Epi Pen?
Epi-Pen injection is given on the thigh. Direct injection into the vein should never be given. There are two Unique selling proposition/points (USP) for EpiPen. One is EpiPen® (epinephrine injection, USP) 0.3 mg and the other is EpiPen Jr® (epinephrine injection, USP) 0.15 mg.
EpiPen is an epinephrine auto-Injector. This should be given right away when the patient has an allergic emergency (anaphylaxis). It is important to note that this treatment is a type of first-aid. immediate medical attention is desirable.
The health- care provider (doctor) will further decide the severity of the disease, and increase the dose to two to three injections depending on requirement.
The method of giving the injection is as follows:
First, a fist is formed around the auto-injector. The tip of the pen should be pointing downwards.
Then, the safety cap is removed carefully.
Against the fleshy portion of thigh, the tip is placed in straight upright position.
Quickly, the injector is moved into the thigh in one go.
Then the injector is removed from the thigh. Excess care should be followed while removing the injector.
Massage the injected area. This will improve absorption of epinephrine.
Safety precautions while using EpiPen
It is important to note that the injector should never be given in the vein directly. This may result in blood flow in that vein; which may finally end up with a stroke.
The safety cap should not be removed unless and until you are completely ready to use the injector.
Never put your fingers on the injector tip. This may contaminate the needle. The entire task should be performed under aseptic conditions.
This device is one-time use system. It should be disposed off immediately after usage.
Do not use EpiPen more than once without doctor’s advice.
Exact doctor prescription should be followed.
References
Greene, J (2017) “Epi Pen Controversy Reveals Complexity behind Drug Price Tags”, Annals of Emergency Medicine, 69(1): A16-A19.
Heidelbaugh, J.J., (2015) “School-aged children: Learn Statistics”, Primary Care, Clinics in Office Practice, 42(1):13-14.