Ontario Paramedic Practice Exam

Can you still consider administering diphenhydramine following the administration of Epi?

1. No

2. Yes - as long as the patient is =/> 25kg this should always be considered when available

3. Only if the patient shows no response to Epi

4. Administering diphenhydramine after Epi can lead to adverse effects

The correct answer is: Yes - as long as the patient is =/> 25kg this should always be considered when available

The suggestion to administer diphenhydramine following epinephrine (Epi) is based on the understanding of allergic reactions and the role each medication plays in treatment. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis as it acts quickly to alleviate the acute symptoms by causing vasoconstriction, bronchodilation, and reducing swelling. However, it does not fully address all aspects of an allergic reaction, particularly those related to histamine release. Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, can be beneficial in managing the lingering symptoms of an allergic reaction that are mediated by histamine, such as hives, itching, and additional swelling. As long as the patient meets certain criteria, specifically a minimum weight of 25 kg, it can be considered safe and effective to administer diphenhydramine after giving Epi. It is important to ensure that the two medications do not interfere with each other in a way that would exacerbate adverse effects, which is why proper patient assessment is necessary before administering either drug. Considering how the timing and dosage are managed, administering diphenhydramine after Epi may provide comprehensive care to a patient experiencing anaphylaxis and help mitigate further allergic symptoms. This indicates a broad understanding of