Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) Practice Test

Which emergency procedure is critical for someone exhibiting symptoms of anaphylaxis?

1. Administering nitroglycerin

2. Administering epinephrine

3. Providing supplemental oxygen

4. Initiating CPR

The correct answer is: Administering epinephrine

Administering epinephrine is critical for someone exhibiting symptoms of anaphylaxis because it is the first-line treatment for this life-threatening allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis can lead to serious complications, such as airway swelling, difficulty breathing, and cardiovascular collapse. Epinephrine works quickly to counteract these severe symptoms by causing vasoconstriction, increasing heart rate and contractility, and relaxing the bronchial muscles to improve airflow. In an anaphylactic reaction, the body's immune response is excessive, leading to the release of histamine and other mediators that cause symptoms like swelling, hives, and respiratory distress. Administering epinephrine halts this cascade of events, stabilizing the patient’s condition. Other treatments, such as providing supplemental oxygen or initiating CPR, may be necessary in a comprehensive care approach but are not the immediate priority in a case of anaphylaxis. Nitroglycerin is not appropriate in this context, as it can lower blood pressure, which is counterproductive during anaphylaxis. Therefore, administering epinephrine is essential and time-sensitive in managing anaphylactic shock effectively.