Question

You receive a call to a restaurant where a 34-year-old man is experiencing shortness of breath. When you arrive, you immediately note that the man has urticaria on his face and arms. He is conscious, but restless, and is in obvious respiratory distress. What should you do?

Answer 1

In this situation, the man is likely experiencing anaphylaxis. It is important to administer epinephrine immediately and call for emergency medical assistance. Antihistamines and corticosteroids may also be given as follow-up treatment.

Step-by-step explanation:

In this scenario, the man is experiencing shortness of breath, urticaria on his face and arms, and is in obvious respiratory distress. Based on these symptoms, it is likely that he is having a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening response caused by a massive release of histamines.

The most important thing to do in this situation is to administer epinephrine immediately. Epinephrine constricts blood vessels, relaxes smooth muscles in the lungs, and reduces swelling to improve breathing. The patient should be given an epinephrine autoinjector, such as an EpiPen, if available.

After administering epinephrine, it is crucial to call for emergency medical assistance to ensure further treatment and close monitoring. Antihistamines and corticosteroids may also be given as follow-up treatment to prevent potential late-phase reactions.