Final answer:
The correct IV epinephrine dose for symptomatic bradycardia typically starts at 2 to 10 micrograms per minute. Epinephrine is also critical for treating severe allergic reactions, and patients at risk often carry epinephrine auto-injectors for emergencies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct intravenous (IV) epinephrine dose for a patient experiencing symptomatic bradycardia varies depending on the specific protocol and situation. However, as a general guide, epinephrine is usually administered as a 0.1 mg/mL (1:10,000) solution given at 2 to 10 micrograms per minute as an intravenous drip. The initial dose is typically on the lower end of this range with close monitoring and titration based on the patient's response.
In cases of severe allergies, such as anaphylactic shock, epinephrine is administered to counteract severe allergic reactions, raise blood pressure, and relax bronchial smooth muscles. Patients at risk of anaphylaxis often carry auto-injectors containing a single, fixed dose of epinephrine, which can be life-saving during an emergency away from the hospital. These auto-injectors typically contain either 0.3 mg or 0.15 mg of epinephrine for adults and children, respectively.