Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

What should be considered the priority in the assessment of a patient with suspected anaphylaxis?

1. Blood sugar levels

2. Airway and breathing

3. Blood pressure monitoring

4. Skin condition

The correct answer is: Airway and breathing

In assessing a patient with suspected anaphylaxis, the priority is always the airway and breathing. Anaphylaxis is a severe and rapid allergic reaction that can lead to swelling of the airways, bronchoconstriction, and significantly impaired breathing within minutes of exposure to an allergen. When assessing a patient experiencing anaphylaxis, rapid determination of whether the airway is compromised is crucial. If the airway is obstructed or breathing is inadequate, immediate intervention is necessary, which may include administering epinephrine to reverse the symptoms and possibly performing advanced airway management if the patient is unable to breathe adequately. Monitoring blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and skin condition are important aspects of a comprehensive assessment, but they are secondary to ensuring that the patient's airway is clear and that they are breathing effectively. Failure to address airway and breathing issues can result in severe complications, including respiratory arrest and death, making this the most critical component of the assessment for a patient with suspected anaphylaxis.