Knowledge and practices of cardiopulmonary arrest and anaphylactic reactions in the radiology department

Abstract

This cross-sectional study was performed between March and August 2016 at Kenyatta National Hospital using a questionnaire.Results: Eighty participants were enrolled. None answered all the questions correctly, with only 55% of radiologists, 35% of residents and 39% of radiographers scoring above 50%. The majority (82%) of participants had adequate knowledge regarding the symptoms, signs and risk factors of adverse reactions to contrast media; however, only 30% knew that intravenous epinephrine is the recommended therapy for a severe anaphylactic reaction. Shortcomings in terms of adequate training were found in this study, with the majority of respondents having not attended any life support course in the preceding 5 years. Conclusion:Health providers within the radiology unit had knowledge about identifying both mild and severe symptoms of anaphylactic reactions. However, there were knowledge gaps regarding the management of these reactions.

Anaphylactic Reactions in Radiology Procedures

“…Most acute reactions occur within 1 hour of contrast media administration, with majority occurring within the first 20 minutes. Therefore, it is important to be aware of these reactions, to monitor the patient closely in this period and to manage the reactions when they do occur [5].…”