Question

A nine-year-old child is brought to the emergency room by his parents, who report that after playing outside, he complained of a stomachache and then developed facial swelling, hives, and started having trouble breathing. On exam, he has moderate angioedema to the face, wheezing, and tachycardia. What is the first medication that the nurse expects to administer?

1. Albuterol via nebulizer
2. Epinephrine
3. Diphenhydramine
4. Oral corticosteroids

Answer 1

Based on the symptoms described (facial swelling, hives, trouble breathing, wheezing, and tachycardia), it suggests that the child is experiencing an allergic reaction, specifically anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.

In such cases, the first-line medication that the nurse would expect to administer is epinephrine (also known as adrenaline). Epinephrine is the primary treatment for anaphylaxis as it helps to counteract the allergic response by constricting blood vessels, improving breathing, and reducing swelling. Epinephrine is typically administered via an auto-injector device, such as an EpiPen, into the thigh muscle.