The emergency nurse is caring for a patient who was stung multiple times by bees. The patient has facial swelling, and multiple hives on their face, chest, and arms. The vital signs are blood pressure of 89/54, heart rate of 99, respirations of 24, and pulse oximetry of 94% on room air. What is the nurses' first action?

A. Administer epinephrine IM: The patient is exhibiting signs of anaphylaxis, including hypotension, facial swelling, hives, and mild respiratory compromise. Intramuscular epinephrine is the first-line, life-saving treatment that rapidly reverses vasodilation, bronchoconstriction, and vascular permeability, preventing progression to respiratory failure or shock. B. Place the patient on 2 liters via nasal cannula: Supplemental oxygen supports oxygenation but does not treat the underlying life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction. Oxygen is important but is secondary to immediate epinephrine administration in anaphylaxis. C. Administer 0.9% sodium chloride 1 liter bolus: IV fluids are used to manage hypotension in anaphylaxis, but fluid resuscitation alone will not reverse airway compromise or systemic allergic response. Epinephrine administration must precede aggressive fluid management in priority. D. Check the patient’s temperature: Assessing temperature is not relevant in the acute management of anaphylaxis. Delaying treatment to obtain vital signs that do not address airway, breathing, or circulation could result in rapid deterioration.