# A client develops stridor, facial swelling, and hypotension after receiving an antibiotic. Which medication should the nurse prepare to administer first?

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=397318&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Illness Management  
> category: PA

## Question

A client develops stridor, facial swelling, and hypotension after receiving an antibiotic. Which medication should the nurse prepare to administer first?

## Option

1. Oral diphenhydramine.
2. Inhaled corticosteroid.
3. Intramuscular epinephrine. **✔ Correct answer**
4. Acetaminophen.

**Correct answer: 3**

## Explanation

Stridor, swelling, and hypotension indicate anaphylaxis. Intramuscular epinephrine is the priority medication because it supports airway tone, bronchodilation, and circulation. Antihistamines and corticosteroids may be adjuncts but do not replace epinephrine.

## In-depth explanation

Clinical Judgment
Use the client cues, timing, labs, and safety risks to select the response that best fits Anaphylaxis after antibiotic.

Memory Tip
Match the strongest cue cluster to the safest nursing judgment.

KR vs US
NCLEX items reward cue-based priority thinking rather than isolated recall.

## Clinical scenario

Clinical Practice Guide
For Anaphylaxis after antibiotic, compare the complete cue pattern with the client's current stability, ordered data, and expected nursing scope.

Caution
Do not choose an action from one isolated cue when the full scenario changes priority or safety.

## Key concepts

- **Anaphylaxis** — A life-threatening systemic allergic reaction involving airway, breathing, or circulation.
- **Epinephrine** — The first-line medication for anaphylaxis.
- **Stridor** — A high-pitched airway sound suggesting upper airway narrowing.

## Related questions

- [A client with suspected urosepsis has a temperature of 39.1 C, blood pressure 86/48 mm Hg,…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=393665&lang=en)
- [A client with suspected urosepsis has a temperature of 39.1 C, blood pressure 86/48 mm Hg,…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=393666&lang=en)
- [A client with heart failure calls the clinic and reports gaining 2.7 kg in 3 days and slee…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=394052&lang=en)
- [A client with diabetic ketoacidosis is prescribed IV insulin. The potassium level is 2.9 m…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=394073&lang=en)
- [A client with diabetic ketoacidosis is prescribed IV insulin. The potassium level is 2.9 m…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=394074&lang=en)
- [A client with kidney failure has a potassium level of 6.4 mEq/L. Which finding requires im…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=394118&lang=en)
- [A client with adrenal insufficiency has vomiting, severe weakness, blood pressure 78/42 mm…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=394151&lang=en)
- [A client with diabetic ketoacidosis has blood glucose 520 mg/dL, dry mucous membranes, and…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=397144&lang=en)

## Read in another language

- [en](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=397318&lang=en)
- [ko](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=397318&lang=ko)
- [ja](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=397318&lang=ja)
- [zh-TW](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=397318&lang=zh-tw)
- [vi](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=397318&lang=vi)

---

More free questions: [NCLEX-RN Practice](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_bank.php?lang=en)

_For study reference only. Always follow current clinical guidelines and your institution’s protocols._