Medical Emergencies · single question
A patient has an immediate systemic reaction after local anesthesia administration. FIRST treatment?
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Correct answer: C. Epinephrine 1:1000 IM
Epinephrine 1:1000 IM is the immediate first-line treatment for anaphylaxis — an immediate reaction after anesthesia injection is anaphylaxis until proven otherwise.
- A. ❌ Hydrocortisone is slow-acting; given after epinephrine as adjunct.
- B. ❌ Diphenhydramine is second-line; cannot reverse bronchospasm of anaphylaxis alone.
- C. ✅ CORRECT – Epinephrine 1:1000 IM (EpiPen) is life-saving first intervention for anaphylaxis.
- D. ❌ Oxygen is supportive; epinephrine must come first.
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