What is the expected effect of administering epinephrine to a patient in anaphylactic shock?

Administering epinephrine during anaphylactic shock is a critical intervention because it has specific physiological effects that counteract the severe symptoms of this life-threatening condition.

When epinephrine is given, it causes vasoconstriction, which helps to increase blood pressure that may be dangerously low due to the allergic reaction. This effect is essential in restoring perfusion to vital organs. Additionally, epinephrine causes bronchodilation, which is the widening of the airways or bronchioles in the lungs. This is particularly important during anaphylaxis, as patients often experience significant respiratory distress due to airway constriction caused by histamine release.

The combination of these effects — constricting blood vessels and dilating bronchioles — works together to improve a patient's overall circulatory and respiratory function, which is critical during an anaphylactic reaction. Thus, the administration of epinephrine is a life-saving measure that addresses both inadequate blood flow and breathing difficulties associated with anaphylaxis.