Problem:
A 30-year-old chef complains of pruritic hives over her chest and arms, but denies difficulty swallowing or breathing. She reports a family history of allergic rhinitis and asthma. Which of the following interventions is most appropriate? A) Obtain a complete and thorough history B) Recommend an oral antihistamine such as diphenhydramine 25 mg PO QID C) Give an injection of epinephrine 1:1000 intramuscularly stat D) Call 911 1. A) Obtain a complete and thorough history Before prescribing medications, a thorough history must be obtained to determine possible causes of hives. The patient denied difficulty with swallowing and breathing, so there was no medical emergency that would require calling 911.