A young female patient, who is allergic to peanuts, was just exposed to peanut butter. Assessment reveals her to be alert and oriented with swollen lips and hives on her face. She is breathing adequately at a rate of 18 breaths per minute and has a heart rate of 82. Your partner advises you that her blood pressure is 118/72 mmHg and room air SpO₂ 92%. She states that she also has asthma for which she uses an inhaler. Of the following, what would you do first?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's oxygen saturation is low at 92%, likely due to the allergic reaction and possible bronchospasm from asthma. Providing supplemental oxygen will help improve oxygenation and should be done first before considering other interventions. Assisting with the inhaler may be necessary, but it is not the first priority in this situation. Starting positive pressure ventilation or determining the amount of peanut butter consumed are not indicated at this time.

A Young Female Patient, Who Is Allergic to Peanuts, Was