General Principles for Managing Contrast Reactions
| Principle | Strategy |
|---|---|
| A | Assessment (severity and category of reaction): blood pressure and pulse monitoring, ECG monitor for evaluation of cardiac rhythm |
| Assistance (call for it) | |
| Airway, oxygen | |
| Access (venous)—secure/improve intravenous lines | |
| B | Breathing (begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation if necessary, bag-valve mask or mouth mask) |
| Beware of paradoxical responses (e.g., β-blockers may prevent tachycardia response) | |
| C | Categorize reaction and patient status |
| Circulatory assistance, intravenous fluids | |
| Call cardiopulmonary arrest response team if necessary | |
| Cardiac output assessment, decreased venous return | |
| D | Drugs: dose and route, do not delay |
| Do monitor, assess, and reassure patients |
ECG = electrocardiogram.