A patient presents with swollen lips and hives. What treatment is indicated in the material?

A patient presents with swollen lips and hives. What treatment is indicated in the material?

• A. Epinephrine
• B. Oxygen
• C. IV fluids
• D. Albuterol

Answer: (B)

Maintaining adequate oxygenation is the immediate priority when signs of an allergic reaction appear, such as swollen lips and hives. Supplemental oxygen helps ensure oxygen delivery to tissues, especially if airway swelling or irritation could narrow passages or compromise breathing. In this scenario, the material indicates oxygen as the appropriate next step because it supports ventilation and prevents hypoxia as you monitor for progression. Epinephrine remains the primary treatment for anaphylaxis and would be used if airway compromise (throat swelling, severe shortness of breath) or shock develops. Albuterol would be considered if bronchospasm is present, and IV fluids for hypotension. Here, oxygen is chosen to stabilize oxygenation before the reaction potentially escalates.

Maintaining adequate oxygenation is the immediate priority when signs of an allergic reaction appear, such as swollen lips and hives. Supplemental oxygen helps ensure oxygen delivery to tissues, especially if airway swelling or irritation could narrow passages or compromise breathing. In this scenario, the material indicates oxygen as the appropriate next step because it supports ventilation and prevents hypoxia as you monitor for progression. Epinephrine remains the primary treatment for anaphylaxis and would be used if airway compromise (throat swelling, severe shortness of breath) or shock develops. Albuterol would be considered if bronchospasm is present, and IV fluids for hypotension. Here, oxygen is chosen to stabilize oxygenation before the reaction potentially escalates.