Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

What is the first and most important action you should take when someone shows signs of a severe allergic reaction?

1. Call emergency services

2. Use the epinephrine device

3. Administer antihistamines

4. Monitor the person's breathing

The correct answer is: Use the epinephrine device

In the scenario of a severe allergic reaction, the first and most critical action is to use the epinephrine device. This is because anaphylaxis, the most severe form of allergic reaction, can rapidly lead to life-threatening symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, and a rapid drop in blood pressure. The timely administration of epinephrine counteracts these effects by constricting blood vessels, relaxing muscles in the airways, and reducing swelling. While calling emergency services is essential and should happen immediately after administering epinephrine, the priority lies in addressing the potentially life-threatening aspects of anaphylaxis. Antihistamines, while useful in managing mild allergic reactions, are not effective for severe reactions and cannot replace the urgent need for epinephrine. Monitoring the person's breathing is important in the context of ongoing care but does not take precedence over the immediate administration of epinephrine when a severe reaction is suspected. Therefore, using the epinephrine device is the decisive first step in managing a severe allergic reaction.