Question

What is the appropriate treatment for the patient described in the scene?

1) Give the patient a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
2) Administer epinephrine.
3) Give the patient an antihistamine.
4) Provide high-concentration oxygen.

Answer 1

For a patient experiencing anaphylaxis, the immediate treatment should be epinephrine, followed by antihistamines and corticosteroids for long-term management. Antihistamines may treat mild reactions, while high-concentration oxygen supports severe responses.

Step-by-step explanation:

The appropriate treatment for a patient experiencing a severe allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis, would be to administer epinephrine as soon as possible. This is because epinephrine can counteract the drop in blood pressure, relax smooth muscles in the lungs to improve breathing, and work to reduce potentially life-threatening swelling. After the initial emergency treatment with epinephrine, follow-up care generally includes giving the patient antihistamines and corticosteroids to prevent late-phase reactions. While antihistamines can help address mild allergic reactions by reducing or eliminating the effects of histamines that cause symptoms, they are not sufficient when dealing with anaphylactic shock. In cases of milder allergy symptoms, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or antihistamines may be appropriate. For severe reactions, where breathing could be impaired, providing high-concentration oxygen may be necessary in conjunction with other treatments.