Radiology Department Preparedness for the Management of Severe Acute Iodinated Contrast Reactions: Do We Need to Change Our Approach?

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify opportunities for reducing epinephrine administration errors after a sentinel event entailing an overdose of i.v. epinephrine occurred in a radiology department. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A root cause analysis was performed that included review and analysis of current system protocols, a medication audit, and access to treatment algorithms. A proctored three-question multiple-choice test was administered to radiology attending physicians, fellows, residents, and nurses to gauge baseline knowledge of epinephrine use. Chi-square analysis was performed. RESULTS: Twelve of 13 radiology department central pharmacy automation system locations lacked epinephrine ampules. As a result, personnel had to access i.v. epinephrine stocked on hospital code carts designed for use during cardiac arrest. This led to errors related to appropriate dosing. Test participants included 46 attending physicians, 23 fellows, 28 residents, and 25 nurses (n = 122). Almost all (99%) correctly identified epinephrine as the medication to administer in this situation. Approximately one half (52%) correctly identified the dose of intramuscular epinephrine, but only 29% knew the dose and rate of administration of i.v. epinephrine (p < 0.001). Attending physicians were more likely to administer i.v. epinephrine correctly than were the other groups (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Stocking and routine auditing of medication availability are essential. The use of epinephrine intended for cardiac arrest stocked on code carts should be avoided during contrast reactions. It would be optimal if first-line responders to contrast reactions included attending physicians, but this may not always be the case at academic institutions.