Immediately after IV antibiotic administration, a patient develops severe dyspnea, hypotension, and generalized urticaria consistent with anaphylactic shock. Which drug should the nurse administer immediately?

1. A

   Atropine sulfate

2. B

   Hydrocortisone

3. C

   Adrenaline

4. D

   Dopamine infusion

Appeared in: PGIMER Nursing Officer - 2025

Explanation

• Adrenaline is the first-line drug for anaphylactic shock.
• It rapidly reverses bronchospasm, hypotension, and airway edema.
• Acts within minutes to restore airway and circulation.
• Delays in adrenaline administration increase mortality risk.
• Other drugs are supportive but not substitutes for adrenaline.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option A: Atropine is used for bradycardia, not for anaphylactic shock.
• Option B: Hydrocortisone acts too slowly to reverse acute anaphylaxis.
• Option D: Dopamine is a vasopressor for persistent hypotension, not the first-line drug in anaphylaxis.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: Prioritize focused assessment, early escalation, and real-time monitoring when managing First-line emergency drug for anaphylactic shock in acute care settings.
• Nurses must act quickly to administer adrenaline in suspected anaphylaxis to prevent fatal outcomes.
• Immediate recognition and intervention are critical for patient survival.
• What if? If adrenaline is delayed or unavailable, supportive care alone is insufficient and risk of death increases.

How to Approach the Question

• Recognize the classic signs of anaphylactic shock: sudden dyspnea, hypotension, urticaria after drug exposure.
• Recall that adrenaline is always the first-line drug for anaphylaxis.
• Eliminate options that do not act immediately or are not indicated for anaphylaxis.
• Remember the emergency sequence: adrenaline first, then airway, antihistamines, steroids, and fluids.
• Apply this protocol in all suspected anaphylactic emergencies.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: First-line emergency drug for anaphylactic shock
• Stem keywords: IV antibiotic, severe dyspnea, hypotension, generalized urticaria, anaphylactic shock
• Lead-in keywords: should the nurse administer immediately
• Clinical cues: Sudden onset after IV antibiotic
• Clinical cues: Respiratory distress and hypotension

Question ID

QIpdtBdqj9nDMHxHlszHjm

Copy ID

Reference Book

E6 Medicine Davidson Principles Practice 24e pp. 96-98, 224-226