Final answer:
Epinephrine should be administered immediately in the case of severe anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. It counteracts the effects of anaphylactic shock by constricting blood vessels, relaxing smooth muscles in the lungs, and reducing swelling. It is a lifesaving drug.
Step-by-step explanation:
Epinephrine should be administered immediately in the case of severe anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening allergic reaction. Anaphylactic shock can occur when there is a massive release of histamines in response to an allergen, leading to a drop in blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the tongue and throat. Epinephrine helps to control the immune reaction by constricting blood vessels, relaxing smooth muscles in the lungs, modulating heart rate, and reducing swelling. It is a lifesaving drug that counteracts the effects of anaphylactic shock.