Navigating Beta-Lactam Allergies: Importance of Patient History and Documentation

Activity Summary

Required reading for all learners: Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes

Antibiotics are one of the most frequently prescribed medications in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. β-Lactam antibiotics, such as penicillin's and cephalosporins, are first-line therapy options for many common infections. Unfortunately, β-lactam allergies are the most commonly listed drug allergies in the electronic health record. Many patients may not understand the differences between an intolerance and an allergy and incorrectly report an allergy to their health care provider. When allergies are documented incorrectly or incompletely, patients may be unnecessarily exposed to broad-spectrum antibiotics, which can potentiate negative individual and public health effects like adverse drug reactions, antimicrobial resistance, longer hospital stays, higher hospital costs, and treatment failures. Understanding the different types of adverse drug reactions is essential for effective diagnosis and management.

Objectives

Differentiate between drug intolerance, hypersensitivity, and allergy to accurately assess reported patient allergies.
Evaluate patient-reported beta-lactam allergies to determine allergy validity and guide therapy decisions.
Implement appropriate management strategies for patients with confirmed or suspected beta-lactam allergies.

Continuing Education Disclosure Statement

Criteria for Awarding Contact Hours

Learners must complete the entire activity and the associated evaluation AND read Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes. No partial credit will be awarded.

Accreditation

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider number CEP 1036, for {contactHours} contact hours.

Disclosures

The Nurse Planner has determined that no individuals with the ability to control content of this activity have relevant relationships with ineligible companies.

Activities with pharmacotherapeutic credit are to assist the APRN in fulfilling their education requirements for licensure and certification renewals.

Refund Policy

Continuing Education Activities are nonrefundable.