Your patient is a 43-year-old female with a history of peanut allergy. She is complaining of dizziness after eating a casserole that she later discovered contained peanuts. Your physical examination reveals warm, diaphoretic skin; a blotchy, red rash covering her chest and arms; and lung sounds that are clear and equal bilaterally. HR = 122, BP = 124/76, RR = 15 and regular, SaO₂ = 97%. In addition to providing oxygen, appropriate treatment for this patient includes:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient is experiencing an anaphylactic reaction to the peanuts in the casserole, as evidenced by her symptoms and history of peanut allergy. Treatment for anaphylaxis includes administering epinephrine 1:1000 subcutaneously, as well as IV crystalloid solution to maintain blood pressure and fluid balance. Diphenhydramine IV is also indicated to help relieve the allergic reaction. Nebulized albuterol may be used if the patient is experiencing bronchospasm, however there is no indication of this in the patient's lung sounds. Providing oxygen is also important to maintain oxygen saturation levels. Therefore, the best choice is C.

Your Patient Is a 43-Year-Old Female with a History of Peanut