Final answer:
In anaphylactic shock, doctors anticipate administering epinephrine immediately to counteract life-threatening symptoms. This is followed by antihistamines and corticosteroids to manage continued symptoms and prevent late-phase reactions. Patients with severe allergies should carry automatic epinephrine injectors for emergencies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Anaphylactic shock, another term for anaphylaxis, is a systemic and potentially life-threatening type I hypersensitivity reaction to allergens. In the instance of an anaphylactic shock, a doctor would anticipate ordering immediate administration of epinephrine, which is the drug used to counteract the effects of anaphylactic shock. Epinephrine works by raising blood pressure, relaxing bronchial smooth muscle to improve breathing, modulating heart rate, and reducing swelling, particularly in the airways.
Following the initial treatment with epinephrine, additional orders may include antihistamines and slow-acting corticosteroids to manage the symptoms and prevent potential late-phase reactions. Patients with known severe allergies are often encouraged to keep automatic epinephrine injectors with them to use in emergency situations before they can get to a hospital.