After administering epinephrine, the patient remains anxious and tachycardic. What is the best course of action?

Study for the West Coast EMT Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question is accompanied by hints and explanations. Be prepared and confident for your exam!

Monitoring the patient closely after administering epinephrine is crucial because some side effects, such as anxiety and tachycardia, are expected responses to the medication. Epinephrine stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, which can lead to feelings of anxiety and an increased heart rate. These reactions are part of the body's "fight or flight" response, and while they may be concerning, they are not necessarily indicative of a severe adverse reaction.

In this situation, providing reassurance to the patient and ensuring they are stable is key. This involves continuous assessment of vital signs and monitoring for any progression of symptoms that might suggest an anaphylactic reaction or other complications. If the patient’s condition deteriorates or if additional symptoms arise, further interventions may be necessary.

The other options focus on different actions, but they do not align with the understanding that anxiety and tachycardia can be normal side effects of epinephrine. Rapid transport in the case of a severe reaction, administering more epinephrine, or seeking medical control could be warranted in other contexts but are not the best course of action here given that the observed effects of anxiety and tachycardia are anticipated after administration of the drug. Therefore, the most appropriate action is to monitor the patient closely while remaining

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy