Allergic Reactions and Anaphylaxis
Help Questions
NREMT: AEMT Level › Allergic Reactions and Anaphylaxis
You arrive at a home for a 50-year-old female with a new medication reaction. She began a new pain medication today after dental work. She has a diffuse rash, feels lightheaded, and reports shortness of breath. A medical alert bracelet indicates “Opioid allergy.” She is sitting on the floor supported by family. Lung sounds reveal mild wheezes; she is speaking in full sentences but appears fatigued. Vitals: BP 98/64, HR 112, RR 22, SpO2 95% on room air. Family has opened windows, stopped the medication, and called 911. No epinephrine has been administered.
Based on the scenario, what is the recommended dosage of epinephrine for this patient?
Epinephrine 1:1,000, 0.1 mg IM in the deltoid muscle
Epinephrine 1:10,000, 1 mg IV push as a single dose
Epinephrine 1:1,000, 1 mg IM repeated every two minutes
Epinephrine 1:1,000, 0.3 mg IM in the lateral thigh
Explanation
This question tests the management of allergic reactions and anaphylaxis at the AEMT level. Allergic reactions and anaphylaxis involve hypersensitivity to allergens, requiring prompt identification and intervention. Common symptoms include hives, respiratory distress, and hypotension. In this scenario, the patient's symptoms and history indicate anaphylaxis, necessitating immediate administration of epinephrine. The correct answer is choice A because it aligns with AEMT guidelines for immediate management of anaphylaxis, ensuring rapid symptom relief with the standard adult dose. Choice B is incorrect because it suggests an inappropriate sequence of interventions, which can delay critical treatment and worsen patient outcomes. To help students: Emphasize the importance of recognizing signs of anaphylaxis and following established protocols. Practice scenarios should include identifying critical symptoms and correctly administering emergency medications. Watch for common errors such as confusing symptom severity and misapplying intervention sequences.
You arrive at a college dorm for a 20-year-old female with unknown allergen exposure. She reports sudden hives and swelling after using a new scented lotion and eating cafeteria food. She now has wheezing and difficulty speaking. Vitals: BP 90/54, HR 128, RR 28, SpO2 89% on room air. Roommates have moved her to the hallway for fresh air, called 911, and brought the lotion bottle and food receipt. No medications have been given.
Based on the scenario, what is the recommended dosage of epinephrine for this patient?
Epinephrine 1:1,000, 1 mg IM once, then reassess after one hour
Epinephrine 1:1,000, 0.3 mg IM in the lateral thigh
Epinephrine 1:1,000, 0.05 mg IM in the lateral thigh
Epinephrine 1:10,000, 0.3 mg IV push
Explanation
This question tests the management of allergic reactions and anaphylaxis at the AEMT level. Allergic reactions and anaphylaxis involve hypersensitivity to allergens, requiring prompt identification and intervention. Common symptoms include hives, respiratory distress, and hypotension. In this scenario, the patient's symptoms and history indicate anaphylaxis, necessitating immediate administration of epinephrine. The correct answer is choice A because it aligns with AEMT guidelines for immediate management of anaphylaxis, ensuring rapid symptom relief with the standard adult dose. Choice C is incorrect because it suggests an inappropriate sequence of interventions, which can delay critical treatment and worsen patient outcomes. To help students: Emphasize the importance of recognizing signs of anaphylaxis and following established protocols. Practice scenarios should include identifying critical symptoms and correctly administering emergency medications. Watch for common errors such as confusing symptom severity and misapplying intervention sequences.
You respond to a home for a 36-year-old female with a reaction after taking a new over-the-counter supplement. She has a diffuse rash and reports dizziness and shortness of breath. She is wearing a medical alert bracelet that states “Anaphylaxis risk.” Lung sounds reveal wheezes; she is speaking in short phrases. Vitals: BP 94/58, HR 120, RR 26, SpO2 92% on room air. Family has stopped the supplement, called 911, and placed her supine with legs elevated. No epinephrine has been given.
Based on the scenario, what is the recommended dosage of epinephrine for this patient?
Epinephrine 1:1,000, 0.5 mg IM in the forearm near the rash
Epinephrine 1:1,000, 0.03 mg IM in the lateral thigh
Epinephrine 1:1,000, 0.3 mg IM in the lateral thigh
Epinephrine 1:10,000, 0.3 mg IV push over 30 seconds
Explanation
This question tests the management of allergic reactions and anaphylaxis at the AEMT level. Allergic reactions and anaphylaxis involve hypersensitivity to allergens, requiring prompt identification and intervention. Common symptoms include hives, respiratory distress, and hypotension. In this scenario, the patient's symptoms and history indicate anaphylaxis, necessitating immediate administration of epinephrine. The correct answer is choice D because it aligns with AEMT guidelines for immediate management of anaphylaxis, ensuring rapid symptom relief with the standard adult dose. Choice C is incorrect because it suggests an inappropriate sequence of interventions, which can delay critical treatment and worsen patient outcomes. To help students: Emphasize the importance of recognizing signs of anaphylaxis and following established protocols. Practice scenarios should include identifying critical symptoms and correctly administering emergency medications. Watch for common errors such as confusing symptom severity and misapplying intervention sequences.
You are dispatched to a food court for a 19-year-old female with known peanut allergy. She accidentally eats a dessert labeled “may contain nuts” and quickly develops hives, lip swelling, and shortness of breath. A friend reports, “I used her EpiPen about 10 minutes ago, but she’s getting worse again.” The patient is upright, anxious, and speaking in short phrases with audible wheezing. Vitals: BP 88/52, HR 136, RR 30, SpO2 88% on room air. The friend has already called 911 and moved her away from the vendor; mall security has brought an AED and oxygen. You note persistent respiratory distress and hypotension despite the initial auto-injector.
Which intervention should follow the administration of epinephrine?
Administer 0.1 mg epinephrine IM to minimize tachycardia risk
Give antihistamine first because epinephrine has already been used once
Reassess and administer a repeat IM epinephrine dose per protocol if symptoms persist
Observe on scene until hives resolve before initiating transport
Explanation
This question tests the management of allergic reactions and anaphylaxis at the AEMT level. Allergic reactions and anaphylaxis involve hypersensitivity to allergens, requiring prompt identification and intervention. Common symptoms include hives, respiratory distress, and hypotension. In this scenario, the patient's symptoms and history indicate anaphylaxis, necessitating immediate administration of epinephrine. The correct answer is choice C because it aligns with AEMT guidelines for immediate management of anaphylaxis, ensuring rapid symptom relief through reassessment and repeat epi if needed. Choice D is incorrect because it suggests an inappropriate sequence of interventions, which can delay critical treatment and worsen patient outcomes. To help students: Emphasize the importance of recognizing signs of anaphylaxis and following established protocols. Practice scenarios should include identifying critical symptoms and correctly administering emergency medications. Watch for common errors such as confusing symptom severity and misapplying intervention sequences.