Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) Practice Test

What immediate treatment is critical for an anaphylactic reaction in a trauma patient?

1. Fluid resuscitation

2. Administering corticosteroids

3. Injection of epinephrine

4. Intubation

The correct answer is: Injection of epinephrine

The injection of epinephrine is the most critical immediate treatment for an anaphylactic reaction, particularly in the context of a trauma patient. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can cause rapid onset of symptoms, including airway swelling, difficulty breathing, and cardiovascular collapse. Epinephrine acts quickly to reverse these symptoms by causing vasoconstriction, increasing heart rate, and improving blood pressure. Additionally, it helps to relax the bronchial muscles, making breathing easier. While fluid resuscitation and administering corticosteroids can be important in managing anaphylaxis and supporting the patient after the initial response, they are not the first-line treatments. Fluid resuscitation might be necessary for maintaining blood pressure after epinephrine administration, but it does not address the life-threatening symptoms of anaphylaxis immediately. Corticosteroids, although valuable for reducing inflammation and preventing biphasic reactions, take time to work and should not delay the critical and immediate administration of epinephrine. Intubation may be necessary later on if the airway becomes compromised, but it is not the immediate intervention needed to counteract the acute effects of anaphylaxis. The priority in emergency situations is to restore airway patency and stabilize cardiovascular function, which is why the injection