What should a nurse do if a patient is experiencing symptoms of anaphylaxis?

Administering epinephrine and calling for help is the appropriate action when a patient is experiencing symptoms of anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate treatment. Epinephrine is the first-line medication used to treat this condition because it acts quickly to reverse the symptoms. It works by constricting blood vessels, which can help to raise blood pressure, relaxes the muscles of the airways to improve breathing, and reduces swelling.

Prompt administration of epinephrine can be critical in preventing progression to more severe symptoms or even death. Calling for help ensures that additional medical support is on the way, which is essential for managing anaphylaxis and providing comprehensive care.

Starting oxygen therapy may be necessary if the patient is severely compromised; however, it is not the first step in managing anaphylaxis. While antihistamines may be used in the treatment of allergies, they are not sufficient for acute anaphylaxis and should not be the primary response. Encouraging the patient to drink fluids is generally not appropriate in an anaphylactic situation, as it does not address the life-threatening symptoms and could lead to complications if the patient is experiencing swelling or difficulty swallowing.