Acute adverse reactions to iodinated and gadolinium containing contrast media can be either allergic-like

Acute adverse reactions to iodinated and gadolinium containing contrast media can be either allergic-like or physiologic. Sound clinical judgment should be used to determine when and how aggressively an acute reaction should be treated, however, many mild reactions resolve during a period of observation without treatment. Which statement by the patient would alert you to the possibility that the patient was having a mild reaction to the contrast agent? “I am having trouble breathing, and my heart is racing!” “I feel dizzy, hot, kind of nauseated, and my nose is stuffy.” “I am having pain and tightness in my chest and shoulders.” “I am itchy all over and there are shooting pains in my IV arm!”