A 19-year-old college student is rushed to the emergency department by his roommates. They report he accidentally consumed a cookie containing macadamia nuts 15 minutes prior to arrival. He has a past medical history of mild intermittent asthma but no known food allergies. He is now clutching his throat and struggling to breathe. Physical examination reveals a widespread urticarial rash, significant swelling of the lips and tongue, and audible stridor. He is visibly agitated and using accessory muscles of respiration. Vital signs show a blood pressure of 82/40 mmHg, a heart rate of 138/min, a respiratory rate of 28/min, and an oxygen saturation of 88% on room air. Which of the following are the most appropriate immediate stabilization steps for this patient? (Select all that apply)
- Preparation for endotracheal intubationCevap
- BOrdering a stat serum tryptase level for diagnostic confirmation
- Intramuscular administration of epinephrineCevap
- DObtaining an immediate portable chest radiograph
- Rapid intravenous infusion of isotonic crystalloidCevap
- FInitiating immediate transfer to the intensive care unit