Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

In the context of anaphylaxis treatment, the role of oxygen is to ensure adequate airway and provide necessary oxygenation to the patient. Anaphylaxis can lead to severe respiratory difficulties due to airway swelling, bronchospasm, or both, which can significantly reduce the oxygen available to the body. Administering oxygen helps to mitigate hypoxia, a condition where the body or a region of the body is deprived of adequate oxygen supply.

Immediate oxygen supplementation is crucial in cases of anaphylaxis because it improves the oxygen saturation levels in the blood, enhancing the delivery of oxygen to vital organs. This intervention is particularly important when there is evidence of respiratory distress or inadequate perfusion, such as wheezing, stridor, or altered mental status.

While options related to heart rate, hyperglycemia, and nausea may pertain to supportive care or secondary effects of anaphylactic reactions, they do not directly relate to the primary role of oxygen in treating the immediate consequences of anaphylaxis. In this acute setting, maintaining an open and adequate airway to ensure proper oxygenation is of utmost importance.