Your patient is a 20-year-old male with a peanut allergy who inadvertently ate some candy containing peanuts. He is complaining of a "lump" in his throat, his voice is hoarse with mild inspiratory stridor, and he appears anxious. You are giving oxygen by nonrebreathing mask and have started an IV. Next, you should:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient is displaying symptoms of an allergic reaction, specifically anaphylaxis. The first-line treatment for anaphylaxis is epinephrine, which should be administered in a dose of 0.01 mg/kg of 1:1000 concentration SQ immediately. Diphenhydramine can also be given IV as an adjunct. These medications help to alleviate the symptoms of anaphylaxis and are typically sufficient to improve the patient's condition. Endotracheal intubation and transtracheal ventilation are not indicated unless the patient's airway is completely obstructed. Albuterol is not the first-line treatment in anaphylaxis and may not be effective in this situation.

Your Patient Is a 20-Year-Old Male with a Peanut Allergy