Trauma Nurse Core Course (TNCC) Practice Exam

For a patient experiencing anaphylaxis after a bee sting, what is the priority intervention?

1. Administering an intravenous antihistamine

2. Providing supplemental oxygen

3. Giving epinephrine

4. Reassuring the patient

The correct answer is: Giving epinephrine

In the case of anaphylaxis, the administration of epinephrine is the priority intervention due to its critical role in counteracting the severe allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis is characterized by rapid onset and can lead to life-threatening symptoms such as airway swelling, significant drop in blood pressure, and respiratory distress. Epinephrine works by causing vasoconstriction, which increases blood pressure, and by bronchodilation, which helps alleviate airway constriction. While supplemental oxygen and antihistamines may be important components of treatment, they do not act quickly enough to address the most urgent threats posed by anaphylaxis. Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, have a delayed onset of action and should not be relied upon for immediate relief in this severe situation. Providing reassurance may help ease the patient's anxiety, but it does not address the underlying life-threatening condition. Therefore, the immediate administration of epinephrine remains the primary and life-saving intervention in the management of anaphylaxis.