Medication Allergies Versus Side Effects: What Nursing Professionals Need to Know

Contact Hour(s):  

1 Contact Hour including 1 Pharmacology Hour 

Author: 

Brittane Strahan (MSN, RN, CCRP) 

This peer-reviewed course is applicable for the following professions:

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), Certified Nurse Midwife, Certified Nurse Practitioner, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN), Midwife (MW), Nursing Student, Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Nurse Practitioner 

Accreditations:  

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)

State Approvals:

Course Description: 

This course discusses the similarities and differences between medication allergies and side effects. Importance to patient safety is the main focus, and a thorough description is given of what allergies and side effects are, why it is important they be prevented, recognized, and treated early, and the nursing professional’s role in managing patients experiencing either. Diagnostic testing is discussed, and a case study wraps up the course to allow for practical application of the educational material. 

Outcomes: 

≥ 92% of participants will know the difference between the presentation and management of allergic reactions and medication side effects/adverse drug reactions. 

Objectives: 

After completing this continuing education course, the participant will be able to: 

1. Define the types of adverse drug reactions (ADRs).
2. Identify how drugs can stimulate an allergic response.
3. Compare and contrast type A and type B ADRs.
4. Differentiate between the characteristics and presentation of allergic reactions and side effects.
5. Describe an appropriate management plan, including prevention strategies, for allergic reactions and side effects.
6. Develop an action plan for a patient who presents with symptoms of a medical emergency related to a drug allergy. 

Disclosures: 

CEUFast Inc. and the course planning team for this educational activity do not have any relevant financial relationship(s) to disclose with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.