A suspected anaphylactic reaction requires which immediate intervention?

• A. Intramuscular epinephrine immediately
• B. Intramuscular epinephrine immediately, with airway support as needed
• C. Intravenous epinephrine
• D. Nebulized bronchodilator only

Answer: (B)

Suspected anaphylaxis is treated first with intramuscular epinephrine right away. Epinephrine tackles the life-threatening features by constricting swollen mucous membranes and improving vascular tone, while also rapidly opening the airways and supporting the heart. Because airway obstruction and shock can develop within minutes, giving epinephrine immediately is critical, and you should have airway support ready if signs of compromise appear. Intravenous epinephrine carries greater risk and is typically reserved for cases that don’t respond to IM dosing or are managed in a monitored setting. Nebulized bronchodilators may help with bronchospasm but do not address the systemic allergic reaction, so they cannot replace epinephrine as the initial treatment.