Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

What immediate action should be taken for a patient experiencing a severe allergic reaction?

1. Administer oxygen

2. Give oral antihistamines

3. Use an epinephrine auto-injector

4. Place the patient in a sitting position

The correct answer is: Use an epinephrine auto-injector

In situations where a patient is experiencing a severe allergic reaction, commonly known as anaphylaxis, the immediate use of an epinephrine auto-injector is critical. This action is vital because epinephrine works quickly to reverse the potentially life-threatening symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as airway swelling, bronchoconstriction, and shock. Administering epinephrine can effectively dilate the airways, increase heart rate, and improve blood flow, thereby stabilizing the patient’s condition and preventing further complications. While options such as administering oxygen, giving oral antihistamines, or positioning the patient may be relevant in managing allergic reactions, they do not address the immediacy and severity of anaphylaxis. Oxygen may be helpful for providing adequate breathing support but does not treat the underlying issue. Oral antihistamines take longer to work and are not effective in severe reactions that require rapid intervention. Positioning a patient in a sitting position could provide comfort but should not take priority over the urgent need for epinephrine in this scenario. Therefore, using an epinephrine auto-injector is the most appropriate and lifesaving action in the case of a severe allergic reaction.