What is the nurse's priority action for a client showing signs of anaphylaxis?

In cases of anaphylaxis, the priority action is to administer epinephrine immediately. Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can lead to airway constriction, respiratory distress, cardiovascular collapse, and other serious complications. Epinephrine is a vasoconstrictor and bronchodilator that works rapidly to counteract these effects by relaxing the airway muscles, reducing swelling, increasing heart rate, and improving blood pressure.

Administering epinephrine promptly can mean the difference between life and death, as it acts quickly to reverse the symptoms of anaphylaxis. Following epinephrine administration, other actions such as starting IV fluids, notifying the healthcare provider, and providing oxygen therapy may also be necessary, but they cannot replace the urgent need for epinephrine to stabilize the client first.