Episode 436: Oncologic Emergencies 101: Hypersensitivity Reactions

"The most important thing related to hypersensitivity reactions is that there is often a potential for rapid progression, and that's what makes these reactions an oncologic emergency. The patients may have symptoms that are mild, and that quickly can progress to respiratory compromise, hypertension, cardiovascular issues, or anaphylaxis. Early recognition is so important, so we don't want to wait for our patient to become hypotensive or significantly hypoxic before we identify that they're having a serious reaction," ONS member Christina Matousek, DNP, RN, OCN®, patient education specialist at Smilow Cancer Hospital in New Haven, CT, told Madeline Johnston, MSN, RN, OCN®, oncology clinical specialist at ONS, during a conversation about hypersensitivity reactions.

Music Credit: "Fireflies and Stardust" by Kevin MacLeod

Licensed under Creative Commons by Attribution 3.0

Earn 0.5 contact hours of nursing continuing professional development (NCPD) by listening to the full recording and completing an evaluation at courses.ons.org by October 9, 2027. The planners and faculty for this episode have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose. ONS is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

Learning outcome: Learners will report an increase in knowledge related to managing hypersensitivity reactions in people receiving antineoplastic therapies.

Episode Notes

Complete this evaluation for free NCPD. ONS Podcast™ episodes: Oncologic Emergencies 101 series Episode 395: Pharmacology 101: Monoclonal Antibodies Episode 299: Pharmacology 101: Plant Alkaloids Episode 286: Pharmacology 101: Alkylating Agents Episode 283: Desensitization Strategies to Reintroduce Treatment After an Infusion-Related Reaction ONS Voice articles: Master Hypersensitivity Reactions With These Strategies for Prevention and Management Nurses Have Immediate Access to Necessary Medications and Supplies With Hypersensitivity Reaction Kits Oncology Drug Reference Sheet: Carboplatin Oncology Drug Reference Sheet: Docetaxel Oncology Drug Reference Sheet: Paclitaxel ONS book: Understanding and Managing Oncologic Emergencies: Traditional and Emerging Course: ONS Oncologic Emergencies™ Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing articles: Early Recognition and Response of Chemotherapy-Induced Hypersensitivity Reactions: A Nursing Discussion Prophylactic Protocol for Carbopl