A 37-year-old male is having a severe allergic reaction to penicillin without access to epinephrine. How should you proceed?

Administering oxygen and requesting a paramedic intercept is the most appropriate action in response to a severe allergic reaction, especially in the absence of epinephrine. In cases of anaphylaxis, maintaining adequate oxygenation is crucial, as the patient may experience difficulty breathing due to airway constriction. Providing supplemental oxygen can help alleviate some of the hypoxia that may occur as a result of swelling in the airways.

Requesting a paramedic intercept is also vital because advanced medical personnel can provide further evaluation and treatment, which may include advanced airway management or the potential administration of epinephrine if they have it available. This option emphasizes the importance of rapid, effective intervention during a life-threatening allergic reaction.

The other choices may not adequately address the immediate needs of the patient experiencing a severe allergic reaction. Seeking bystanders for epinephrine may lead to delays and confusion, as not everyone may carry it or have it accessible. Simply remaining with the patient and waiting for an ambulance without additional support could also jeopardize the patient’s condition. Lastly, asking about diphenhydramine tablets is not a suitable immediate response, as antihistamines alone do not address anaphylaxis effectively and are not a replacement for epinephrine.