PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis?

1. Albuterol

2. Diphenhydramine

3. Glucocorticoids

4. Epinephrine

The correct answer is: Epinephrine

The first-line treatment for anaphylaxis is epinephrine. This powerful medication acts as a non-selective adrenergic agonist, quickly counteracting the life-threatening effects of anaphylaxis, such as airway swelling, cardiovascular collapse, and severe hypotension. Epinephrine works by causing vasoconstriction, which increases blood pressure, and bronchodilation, which helps relieve bronchospasm and improve breathing. The prompt action of epinephrine is crucial because anaphylaxis can progress rapidly; therefore, its administration—preferably intramuscularly—provides the necessary and immediate response to stabilize the patient. While adjunctive treatments such as antihistamines, glucocorticoids, and bronchodilators may be utilized, they do not replace the urgent need for epinephrine in an anaphylactic reaction. The immediacy and effectiveness of epinephrine make it the cornerstone of anaphylaxis management.