NREMT Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Cognitive ExamPharmacologyMedium
A 45-year-old male is experiencing a severe allergic reaction after being stung by a bee. He is conscious but anxious, with widespread urticaria, wheezing, and a blood pressure of 90/60 mmHg. He has a prescribed epinephrine auto-injector. After ensuring the 5 'rights' of medication administration, which route would be most appropriate for administering epinephrine?
- AIntravenous (IV)
- BOral (PO)
- CIntramuscular (IM)
- DSubcutaneous (SC)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Intramuscular (IM)
For anaphylaxis in the prehospital setting, epinephrine is administered intramuscularly (IM) due to its rapid absorption and systemic effects. The auto-injector is designed for IM administration, typically into the lateral thigh.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. IV administration of epinephrine is typically reserved for cardiac arrest or severe shock in a controlled environment, and is beyond the scope of practice for most EMTs.
- B. Oral administration is ineffective for anaphylaxis due to poor absorption and degradation in the digestive tract, and the patient's condition warrants rapid systemic action.
- D. SC administration has slower absorption and may not provide the rapid systemic effects needed for anaphylaxis.
Epinephrine Route for Anaphylaxis
The standard and most effective route of administration for epinephrine in the emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) in the prehospital setting.
- Intramuscular (IM) injection is preferred.
- Lateral thigh is the recommended site.
- Auto-injectors deliver a precise IM dose.
- Provides rapid systemic absorption and action.
Memory trick: Anaphylaxis needs IM, quick and sure, to open airways and secure.