👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team🕐 Updated 2026-08-23🏷️ Pharmacological Therapies🔖 Free to read, print, and share
Also known as: adrenaline · EpiPen · Adrenalin
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Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Epinephrine on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!
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📒 The 1-minute cheat sheet
📌 Use
Anaphylaxis → IM thigh STAT
Arrest 1mg IV q3-5min
✅ Action
α+β: vasoconstrict, bronchodilate
↑BP, ↑HR, opens airway
🩺 Watch
Tachycardia, dysrhythmias, HTN
Tremor, anxiety, hyperglycemia
✅ Do
EpiPen: hold 10 sec, massage
Call 911 even after EpiPen
📚 Epinephrine — full study notes
The cheat sheet above is your quick recall card. These notes go deeper — what it is, what to do first, what must be reported, and what to teach.
Epinephrine is an alpha and beta adrenergic agonist used as the first-line drug for anaphylaxis and cardiac arrest. It causes bronchodilation, vasoconstriction, and increased heart rate and contractility. Key principle: in anaphylaxis give it intramuscularly into the outer thigh without delay.
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Key points
Understand these first
It is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, given IM into the vastus lateralis (outer thigh).
It reverses airway swelling and bronchospasm and raises blood pressure through vasoconstriction.
In cardiac arrest it is given IV/IO every 3-5 minutes.
Side effects include tachycardia, hypertension, tremor, anxiety, and palpitations.
It has a short duration, so symptoms of anaphylaxis can return and require a second dose.
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Nursing priorities
What to do, in order
For anaphylaxis, give IM epinephrine immediately into the outer thigh.
Monitor heart rate, blood pressure, airway, and oxygen saturation closely.
Be ready to repeat the dose if anaphylaxis symptoms persist or return.
Maintain airway and prepare for advanced support.
Verify correct concentration and route to prevent dosing errors.
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Red flags — report now
Escalate immediately
Never delay IM epinephrine in anaphylaxis to give antihistamines or steroids first.
Report severe hypertension, chest pain, or arrhythmia after administration.
Symptoms can recur; keep the patient under observation.
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Patient teaching
What patients must know
Carry two auto-injectors at all times and inject into the outer thigh through clothing if needed.
Always call 911 after using it because symptoms can return.
Replace the device before its expiration date and check the solution is clear.
❓ Epinephrine: NCLEX FAQs
What are the priority nursing interventions for Epinephrine?
For anaphylaxis, give IM epinephrine immediately into the outer thigh. Monitor heart rate, blood pressure, airway, and oxygen saturation closely. Be ready to repeat the dose if anaphylaxis symptoms persist or return. Maintain airway and prepare for advanced support.
What are the warning signs of Epinephrine a nurse must report?
Never delay IM epinephrine in anaphylaxis to give antihistamines or steroids first. Report severe hypertension, chest pain, or arrhythmia after administration. Symptoms can recur; keep the patient under observation.
What do I need to know about Epinephrine for the NCLEX?
It is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, given IM into the vastus lateralis (outer thigh). It reverses airway swelling and bronchospasm and raises blood pressure through vasoconstriction. In cardiac arrest it is given IV/IO every 3-5 minutes. Side effects include tachycardia, hypertension, tremor, anxiety, and palpitations.
What patient teaching is important for Epinephrine?
Carry two auto-injectors at all times and inject into the outer thigh through clothing if needed. Always call 911 after using it because symptoms can return. Replace the device before its expiration date and check the solution is clear.
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Quick Tip
It is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, given IM into the vastus lateralis (outer thigh).