Adrenaline autoinjector failure — DipIMC MCQ

Correct answer: E — Give IM adrenaline using 1 mg/mL ampoule at the correct age dose

Option E is correct because Anaphylaxis with respiratory and cardiovascular compromise requires immediate intramuscular adrenaline using the correct concentration and age-appropriate dose. Nebulised salbutamol may help wheeze but does not treat distributive shock or airway oedema. The key pearl is that failed autoinjector delivery should not delay IM adrenaline from an ampoule when trained providers and equipment are present. Option D is less appropriate because oxygen may be supportive, but it does not address the defining time-critical problem first; option A is less appropriate because vascular access is useful, but it should not delay the immediate priority. Option B is less appropriate because it is plausible in a different scenario but suboptimal for the features described; option C is less appropriate because delay would increase clinical risk. Clinical pearl: in DipIMC-style questions, the best answer is the intervention that changes outcome earliest in the pre-hospital phase.

Reference: Resuscitation Council UK Anaphylaxis Guideline; JRCALC Guidelines