Purpose:

To develop a comprehensive risk assessment tool for use with patients before the administration of contrast media.

Significance:

Identification of high-risk patients is the first step in reducing the incidence of the 2 most common adverse outcomes of allergic reaction and contrast-induced nephropathy.

Design:

Annually, more than 6 million patients in the United States undergo diagnostic tests that utilize intravascular contrast media. Any contrast agent introduced into the body can pose some risk to the patient and may cause an adverse outcome.

Methods:

A comprehensive risk assessment tool was developed by a clinical nurse specialist following a literature search on contrast media.

Results:

The findings from the literature review indicated that the 3 important components of the risk assessment tool are screening for contrast media allergy, history of renal impairment, and history of diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions:

There is a need for a tool to assess patients at risk for an adverse outcome to contrast media. A literature review of the evidence is a necessary step to developing this tool.

Implications for Practice:

A comprehensive risk assessment tool impacts all 3 spheres of influence. It safeguards patients from adverse outcomes, protects the practice of nurses, and provides a high standard of care for the organization.