Medical Emergencies · single question
A patient allergic to amoxicillin develops wheezing and hives during treatment. What is the most likely cause?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Drug reaction (amoxicillin allergy)
✓ B) Drug reaction is correct.
Wheezing (bronchospasm) and hives (urticaria) are classic signs of Type I IgE-mediated anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reaction. In a patient with known amoxicillin allergy who receives the drug, this represents an acute allergic drug reaction — potentially anaphylaxis. Management: STOP the drug, epinephrine 0.3mg IM (anterolateral thigh) if anaphylaxis, diphenhydramine, corticosteroids, call emergency services. This is a medical emergency. The temporal relationship (allergy history + drug exposure → immediate reaction) points to drug as the cause.
Wheezing (bronchospasm) and hives (urticaria) are classic signs of Type I IgE-mediated anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reaction. In a patient with known amoxicillin allergy who receives the drug, this represents an acute allergic drug reaction — potentially anaphylaxis. Management: STOP the drug, epinephrine 0.3mg IM (anterolateral thigh) if anaphylaxis, diphenhydramine, corticosteroids, call emergency services. This is a medical emergency. The temporal relationship (allergy history + drug exposure → immediate reaction) points to drug as the cause.
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