Question

Which of the following statements accurately describes a research-supported reason why school nurses are advised to keep on hand a nonspecific order of epinephrine medication, in addition to the epinephrine stocked for individual students?

A. A significant number of epinephrine administrations to students are for allergies unknown at the time of anaphylaxis.

B. Epinephrine administrations by teachers or other lay people are often ineffective on the first dose; school nurse-administered second doses are often needed.

C. In addition to treating anaphylaxis, epinephrine can also be used in heart-related emergencies involving asystole.

D. Because epinephrine deteriorates over time, the shelf life of epinephrine auto-injectors is typically only one year; therefore, backup supplies are needed.

Answer 1

School nurses are advised to keep nonspecific epinephrine to treat students with previously unknown severe allergies causing anaphylactic shock. Epinephrine acts quickly to reverse potentially fatal symptoms by increasing blood pressure and improving breathing.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement that (b) describes a research-supported reason for school nurses to keep on hand a nonspecific order of epinephrine medication, in addition to epinephrine designated for individual students, is: A significant number of epinephrine administrations to students are for allergies unknown at the time of anaphylaxis. This necessity arises because an individual may experience sudden anaphylactic shock due to an unexpected exposure to an allergen to which their severe allergy was previously unidentified. As such, immediate access to epinephrine can be lifesaving.

Epinephrine is a critical emergency medication for counteracting the effects of anaphylactic shock, which includes a severe drop in blood pressure and constriction of bronchial smooth muscle. When an allergen triggers an anaphylactic response, systemic mast cells release massive amounts of histamines, leading to potentially fatal symptoms within minutes. By constricting blood vessels, relaxing smooth muscles in the lungs, and modulating heart rate, epinephrine rapidly reverses anaphylactic symptoms, which is why its immediate availability in schools is advocated.