Invited Commentary
Commentary on “Should Antibiotic Allergy Alerts Be Alarming?”
Abstract
When it comes to choosing an antibiotic for surgical prophylaxis in the “allergic” patient, the “just to be safe” approach is well known to those working in the operating room. As illustrated in the article by Terpening in this month’s issue of the Southern Medical Journal, both the documentation, and more important, the judgment behind documenting allergic reactions in patients are fraught with inaccuracy.1 Although the electronic medical record (EMR) was touted for its ability to provide reminders and cross-checks in the name of safety, it would appear that we are experiencing what is known in the critical care world as “alarm fatigue.”2This content is limited to qualifying members.
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References
1. Terpening C. Should antibiotic allergy alerts be alarming? South Med J 2016;109:648-652.
2. Stokowski LA. Time to battle alarm fatigue. Published February 20, 2014. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/820738. Accessed May 26, 2016.
3. Apter AJ, Kinman JL, Bilker WB, et al. Is there cross-reactivity between penicillins and cephalosporins? Am J Med 2006;119:354.e11-e19.
4. Adler AC. When your best friend turns on you the impact of bad propofol. J Anesth 2015;29:649.
