Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Test

Which medication is primarily used in the treatment of mild anaphylaxis?

1. Antihistamines

2. IM epinephrine

3. Oral corticosteroids

4. Saline infusion

The correct answer is: IM epinephrine

The primary medication used in the treatment of mild anaphylaxis is epinephrine, specifically administered via intramuscular (IM) injection. Epinephrine acts quickly to counteract the effects of anaphylaxis by causing vasoconstriction, which improves blood pressure, and bronchodilation, which alleviates respiratory distress. It also reduces swelling and hives by inhibiting the release of further mediators from mast cells and basophils. In cases of mild anaphylaxis, immediate intervention is crucial, and epinephrine is the first-line treatment recommended by emergency protocols. While antihistamines can be used as adjunctive treatment for managing itching and hives, they are not sufficient on their own for the acute management of anaphylaxis, as they do not act quickly enough to address the life-threatening symptoms. Oral corticosteroids may be used to prevent a biphasic reaction but are not suitable for immediate treatment. Saline infusion is not a treatment for anaphylaxis; it may provide fluid resuscitation in cases of shock, but again, it does not address the underlying anaphylactic response. Thus, the effectiveness and rapid action of IM epinephrine make it the correct choice for treating mild anaphylaxis.