Overview
Introduction
A patient who develops fever, stinging eyes, painful swallowing, and exquisitely tender skin after starting a medication may be developing epidermal necrolysis.
A patient who develops fever, stinging eyes, painful swallowing, and exquisitely tender skin after starting a medication may be developing epidermal necrolysis. This is a medical emergency, not an ordinary drug rash. Epidermal separation can rapidly disrupt temperature control, fluid balance, infection barriers, vision, nutrition, and the airway. The LVN/LPN should recognize the pattern, stop further exposure according to facility policy and delegated authority, notify the RN and prescriber immediately, and activate emergency escalation for instability while specialized transfer is arranged.