Presented on April 4, 2016
Presented by Piera Robson MSN, CNS, NP, AOCNS, ANP-BC, OCN, CRN – Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Adverse reaction to iodine-based and gadolinium-based contrast agents are idiosyncratic events in the imaging environment. Prompt recognition with a coordinated treatment response is essential to achieving optimal patient outcomes. This lecture will review the pathophysiology of contrast reactions, differentiating between allergic reactions and exaggerated physiologic reactions. Management strategies that are in line with the 2015 American College of Radiology recommendations will be presented. This lecture will also present strategies for developing protocols and implementing the best practice.
Recommended practices include: Updating the medication boxes, Developing a first responder emergency supply box that is distinct from a code cart, Implementing the use of a standardized contrast reaction documentation form, Developing reference documents including a wall card, pocket card, and a medication table, Improving the patient education process, Establishing a common nomenclature for contrast reaction severity, Identifying and
communicating the need for future premedication, Case presentation of complex reaction presentations, At the conclusion of this program, the attendee will be updated on current recommended practices for management of contrast reaction.

Piera M. Cote Robson graduated from Lafayette College (BA-Biology), Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing (BSN), and The Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing (MSN-Adult Nurse Practitioner). She has been an IR nurse since 1998. From 2011-2012, she took a sabbatical as Patient Safety Program Manager with training at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. In 2012 she became CNS for radiology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer
Center. She is the Director of Leadership for ARIN.