MEDizzy - A 5-year-old child who is brought to an emergency room is

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Practice Test

A 5-year-old child who is brought to an emergency room is experiencing dyspnea and swelling of the lips and tongue. Audible wheezes, rhinitis, and stridor are also present, and the child is very anxious. Based on these assessment findings, a nurse should first:

ExplanationSecuring the airway and administering oxygen is an initial intervention. The child is most likely presenting with symp- toms directly related to anaphylactic shock, a potentially life- threatening systemic reaction to an allergen. All of the other interventions are needed to reverse anaphylaxis. The child’s vital signs should be known before administering any medications, but that is not the first assessment priority because the informa- tion already suggests a life-threatening situation and an interven- tion is required. Although all of the other interventions are important, they are not the first action. Adrenalin (epinephrine) is an adrenergic (sympathomimetic) agent and cardiac stimulant used to treat anaphylactic shock. An IV line is needed for medications that can act quickly. Agitation increases oxygen demands.