Anaphylaxis — DipIMC MCQ

Correct answer: C — Give intramuscular adrenaline into the anterolateral thigh

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

E is correct: Airway, breathing or circulation compromise after allergen exposure is anaphylaxis and IM adrenaline is first-line. A is less suitable because it does not address the discriminator in the vignette; B is less suitable because analgesia is important but does not replace the first physiological intervention; C is less suitable because it moves the patient before the decisive threat or destination issue is addressed; D is less suitable because it does not address the discriminator in the vignette. 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