Question

A nurse is assessing a client after administering a second dose of cefazolin IV. The nurse notes that the client has anxiety, hypotension, and dyspnea. Which of the following medications should the nurse administer first?

A. Epinephrine

B. Benadryl

C. Aspirin

D. Nitroglycerin

E. Albuterol

Answer 1

The nurse should first administer epinephrine to a patient exhibiting signs of an anaphylactic reaction after receiving a second dose of cefazolin IV.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse assesses a client showing signs of anxiety, hypotension, and dyspnea after a second dose of cefazolin IV, these symptoms could indicate an anaphylactic reaction. In this scenario, the first medication the nurse should administer is epinephrine. Epinephrine is the primary drug used to counteract the effects of anaphylaxis; it functions by raising blood pressure, relaxing bronchial smooth muscle to improve breathing, and working to reduce swelling that might block the airways, which can be lifesaving. Antihistamines such as Benadryl may be used as a follow-up treatment.