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Medical Emergencies · single question

A 10-year-old child received anesthesia and developed rashes, hives, and wheezing. What is the diagnosis and first management?

  1. Type I hypersensitivity (anaphylaxis) — administer epinephrine
  2. Asthma attack — administer albuterol
  3. Type IV hypersensitivity — administer antihistamines
  4. Vasovagal syncope — place patient supine
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Correct answer: A. Type I hypersensitivity (anaphylaxis) — administer epinephrine

  • A. Correct. Rashes + hives + wheezing after anesthesia = anaphylaxis (Type I). Wheezing indicates bronchospasm/airway compromise. Immediate EPINEPHRINE (epi-pen/injectable) is required as first-line treatment.
  • B. Incorrect. Type IV occurs 48–72+ hours after exposure and does not cause acute wheezing.
  • C. Incorrect. Vasovagal syncope presents with bradycardia and pallor — not rash and wheezing.
  • D. Incorrect. Albuterol manages bronchospasm; epinephrine is first-line for multi-system anaphylaxis.

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