Final answer:
The appropriate management for a child with allergic symptoms leading to facial and throat swelling, wheezing, and retraction includes immediate administration of epinephrine, followed by transport to the emergency department for continued care and monitoring.
Step-by-step explanation:
A child with a known history of allergies is developing swelling of the face and throat and showing signs of significant wheezing and retraction with breathing. This clinical picture suggests an anaphylactic reaction, which is an emergency condition requiring immediate medical intervention. Appropriate Management of Anaphylaxis. Management should begin with the administration of epinephrine as soon as possible, as it is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis. Epinephrine helps to constrict blood vessels to increase blood pressure, relaxes the smooth muscles in the lungs to improve breathing, and reduces swelling that might block the airways.
After administering epinephrine, the child should be transported to the nearest emergency department for further medical care, which may include antihistamines and corticosteroids to control the immune response and monitor for late-phase reactions that can occur. It is also vital to ensure an open airway and provide supportive care, which can include supplemental oxygen and intravenous fluids if needed. Continuous monitoring of vital signs is important due to the possibility of rapid deterioration. In some cases, if the child carries an epinephrine autoinjector (like an EpiPen®), it can be used immediately to mitigate the symptoms.