ATI RN Pharmacology Exam 2024 With NGN Related

Review ATI RN Pharmacology Exam 2024 With NGN related questions and content

A nurse is assessing a client after administering a second dose of cefazolin IV. The nurse notes the client has anxiety, hypotension, and dyspneWhich of the following medications should the nurse administer first?

  • A. Diphenhydramine
  • B. Albuterol inhaler
  • C. Epinephrine
  • D. Prednisone
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Epinephrine. When a client exhibits symptoms of anxiety, hypotension, and dyspnea after receiving cefazolin IV, it indicates a severe allergic reaction/anaphylaxis. Epinephrine is the first-line medication for anaphylaxis as it acts quickly to reverse the symptoms by constricting blood vessels, increasing blood pressure, and opening airways. Diphenhydramine (A) is an antihistamine that can be given as a second-line treatment. Albuterol inhaler (B) is used for bronchospasm but is not the first choice in anaphylaxis. Prednisone (D) is a corticosteroid that may be used later for inflammation but is not the initial treatment for anaphylaxis.