CEA Nursing Practice Exam

Which medication is commonly used for the acute treatment of type 1 hypersensitivity reactions?

1. Prednisone (Deltasone)

2. Epinephrine (Epi-Pen)

3. Neither option is effective

4. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

The correct answer is: Epinephrine (Epi-Pen)

Epinephrine is the medication commonly used for the acute treatment of type 1 hypersensitivity reactions, such as anaphylaxis. When someone experiences an anaphylactic reaction, their body releases large amounts of histamine and other chemicals, leading to symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling, hives, and potentially life-threatening changes in blood pressure. Epinephrine acts rapidly by constricting blood vessels to counteract low blood pressure, increasing heart rate, and relaxing the muscles around the airways to improve breathing. It effectively reduces the severity of the allergic reaction by reversing many of the symptoms associated with anaphylaxis. Administering epinephrine quickly can be life-saving, which is why it is a critical intervention in these acute scenarios. In contrast, medications like prednisone, a corticosteroid, are not intended for the acute treatment of allergic reactions but rather serve to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune response over a longer period. Diphenhydramine, while helpful for milder allergic reactions, does not provide the rapid systemic response needed in acute anaphylaxis. Thus, epinephrine is the preferred and most effective choice for immediate use in type 1 hypersensitivity reactions.