Adult anaphylaxis dose — DipIMC MCQ

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EasyMedical EmergenciesAdult anaphylaxis doseDipIMC

A 50-year-old develops stridor, hypotension and wheeze after intravenous antibiotics in a clinic. He remains conscious with a rapid pulse. What is the most appropriate drug/dose?

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Correct answer: C — Intramuscular adrenaline 500 micrograms

Explanation lettering: D = shown as A · C = shown as B · E = shown as C · B = shown as D · A = shown as E

E is correct: The first-line adult dose for anaphylaxis in a healthcare setting is IM adrenaline 500 micrograms. A is less suitable because a large initial opioid bolus risks hypotension and respiratory depression; B is less suitable because this is not a definitive treatment for the condition described; C is less suitable because cardiac-arrest adrenaline dosing is inappropriate in a perfusing patient; D is less suitable because analgesia is important but does not replace the first physiological intervention. The most tempting alternative is therefore suboptimal because it either delays the time-critical pre-hospital intervention or sends the patient to the wrong level of care. The key DipIMC principle is focused cABCDE decision-making with early pre-alert, triage or retrieval escalation when the scene physiology demands it.

Reference: JRCALC Guidelines; Resuscitation Council UK; NICE guidance where applicable