Final answer:
The patient with swelling, difficulty breathing, and hives after consuming a cookie should be treated for anaphylaxis. This is a severe allergic reaction where quick administration of epinephrine is critical for improving respiratory and cardiovascular symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The patient who is experiencing symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and hands, and red hives all over the body after consuming a cookie at a birthday party should be treated for anaphylaxis. These symptoms are indicative of a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that requires prompt medical attention. Stridor, the high-pitched noise heard as the patient breathes in, typically accompanies throat swelling and is a common sign of anaphylactic shock.
The administration of epinephrine through an autoinjector like an EpiPen® is critical in treating anaphylactic reactions since it can improve breathing, modulate heart rate, and reduce swelling. Without quick treatment, anaphylaxis can lead to a significant drop in blood pressure and obstruction of the airway, which may result in insufficient oxygen reaching the brain and potentially fatal outcomes.