NREMT Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Cognitive ExamPharmacologyEasy
A 32-year-old female is experiencing a severe allergic reaction with urticaria, angioedema, and wheezing. She has an epinephrine auto-injector. Which of the following is the most appropriate dose for an adult in this situation?
- A0.3 mg IM
- B1.0 mg IM
- C0.15 mg IM
- D0.5 mg SC
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 0.3 mg IM
For adults experiencing a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), the standard dose of epinephrine administered via auto-injector is 0.3 mg intramuscularly (IM). The 0.15 mg dose is typically for pediatric patients.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 1.0 mg IM is an excessive dose for an auto-injector and could lead to significant side effects.
- C. This is the typical pediatric dose of epinephrine.
- D. Epinephrine for anaphylaxis is given intramuscularly, not subcutaneously, for faster absorption. The dose is also incorrect.
Epinephrine Dosing (Anaphylaxis)
The standard prehospital dose of epinephrine for managing severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) based on patient age/weight.
- Adult dose: 0.3 mg IM
- Pediatric dose: 0.15 mg IM
- Administered via auto-injector into the lateral thigh
Memory trick: Adults need 3, Kids get 1.5, both in the thigh!