What is the primary treatment for anaphylactic shock described?

What is the primary treatment for anaphylactic shock described?

• A. Albuterol inhaler
• B. Diphenhydramine
• C. Epipen (0.3 mg adults / 0.15 mg children)
• D. Epinephrine nasal spray

Answer: (C)

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening reaction where airway swelling, bronchospasm, and a dangerous drop in blood pressure can develop rapidly. The primary treatment is epinephrine delivered by an auto-injector into the thigh. Epinephrine tackles all three dangerous problems at once: it constricts blood vessels to raise blood pressure and reduce swelling, and it opens the airways to improve breathing. This makes it the first-line intervention in anaphylaxis. The typical doses are 0.3 mg for adults and 0.15 mg for children, given intramuscularly, with a second dose considered if symptoms continue after a few minutes. While other drugs like diphenhydramine or albuterol may help with certain symptoms, they do not reverse the life-threatening aspects of anaphylaxis on their own, and nasal sprays are not appropriate for systemic reactions.

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening reaction where airway swelling, bronchospasm, and a dangerous drop in blood pressure can develop rapidly. The primary treatment is epinephrine delivered by an auto-injector into the thigh. Epinephrine tackles all three dangerous problems at once: it constricts blood vessels to raise blood pressure and reduce swelling, and it opens the airways to improve breathing. This makes it the first-line intervention in anaphylaxis. The typical doses are 0.3 mg for adults and 0.15 mg for children, given intramuscularly, with a second dose considered if symptoms continue after a few minutes. While other drugs like diphenhydramine or albuterol may help with certain symptoms, they do not reverse the life-threatening aspects of anaphylaxis on their own, and nasal sprays are not appropriate for systemic reactions.