A patient with a severe allergic reaction is treated with epinephrine.The nurse recognizes that the rationale for the use of epinephrine is that epinephrine opposes the effects of which one of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Epinephrine is a sympathomimetic drug that acts as an alpha- and beta-adrenergic agonist. In the context of severe allergic reactions, epinephrine opposes the effects of histamine, which is released during an allergic reaction and leads to bronchoconstriction, vasodilation, and increased vascular permeability. Epinephrine acts on alpha-adrenergic receptors to constrict blood vessels and decrease vascular permeability, and on beta-adrenergic receptors to dilate bronchioles and promote bronchodilation. By counteracting the effects of histamine, epinephrine can help to reverse the symptoms of anaphylaxis and prevent potentially life-threatening complications.

A Patient with a Severe Allergic Reaction Is Treated with Epinephrine.The