Anaphylaxis — NCLEX Cheat Sheet
Epinephrine IM = first drug
👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team
🕐 Updated 2026-07-11
🏷️ Physiological Adaptation
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Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Anaphylaxis on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!
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- Stridor, wheeze, throat swelling
- Hypotension, tachycardia, shock
- Hives, angioedema, anxiety
- Epinephrine IM lateral thigh STAT
- Stop allergen, call rapid response
- Airway first → O2, prepare intubation
- Then antihistamine, steroids, fluids
- Repeat epi q5-15 min PRN
- Carry EpiPen, MedicAlert bracelet
✨Quick Tip
Onset is sudden, usually within minutes of exposure, and rapidly worsening.
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