A client experiencing anaphylaxis from an insect sting should be administered what medication?

In cases of anaphylaxis, the primary medication administered is epinephrine. This medication works rapidly to counteract the severe allergic reaction by stimulating adrenaline receptors, which helps to reverse airway swelling, improve breathing, and increase blood flow to vital organs. It achieves this by causing vasoconstriction, which raises blood pressure, and by relaxing bronchial smooth muscle, which alleviates bronchospasm.

Epinephrine is essential for managing anaphylactic reactions, and it is usually given intramuscularly in the thigh for quick absorption. The importance of prompt administration cannot be overstated, as anaphylaxis can progress quickly and become life-threatening.

Other medications, while they may be used in allergic reactions or as part of the overall treatment plan, do not provide the immediate relief needed in anaphylaxis. For example, diphenhydramine can be helpful for mild allergic reactions but is not sufficient in acute anaphylaxis. Similarly, dopamine and ephedrine are not appropriate first-line treatments for this condition. Hence, the administration of epinephrine is the correct course of action during an anaphylactic event.