A 6-year-old child presents with sudden generalized urticaria, facial angioedema, stridor, and wheezing 5 minutes after eating peanut butter. What is the immediate life-saving first-line medication?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Intramuscular epinephrine (adrenaline) into the anterolateral thigh
- Step 1: The child has life-threatening anaphylaxis with airway and respiratory compromise.
- Step 2: Intramuscular epinephrine (0.01 mg/kg, max 0.3-0.5 mg) into the vastus lateralis of the mid-anterolateral thigh is the undisputed first-line treatment.
- Step 3: Antihistamines and steroids are secondary adjuncts and do not reverse bronchospasm, laryngeal edema, or shock.
Answer
Intramuscular epinephrine (adrenaline) into the anterolateral thigh.
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