Pediatric ATI Practice Exam 2026 – All-In-One Prep Resource

In an emergency situation involving a child experiencing an anaphylactic reaction, the priority action is to administer intramuscular epinephrine. Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can progress rapidly, affecting the respiratory, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal systems. Epinephrine acts quickly to counteract the symptoms by causing vasoconstriction, which raises blood pressure, and bronchodilation, which opens the airways, effectively reversing the critical aspects of anaphylaxis.

Timely administration of epinephrine can significantly reduce the risk of complications and increase the probability of a positive outcome. Other actions, while important in managing the overall care of the child, do not take precedence over the need to address the acute symptoms of anaphylaxis immediately. For example, elevating the head of the bed may be necessary if the child has breathing difficulty but does not address the underlying cause. Similarly, inserting a large-bore IV catheter and determining the allergen can be important interventions, but they should occur after epinephrine has been administered to stabilize the child's condition.