A 5-year-old child was bitten by fire ants and is semiconscious with labored breathing. What is the MOST appropriate treatment for him?

The most appropriate treatment for the 5-year-old child bitten by fire ants who is semiconscious with labored breathing involves ventilation with a bag-mask device and administering 0.15 mg of epinephrine via an auto-injector. This approach is critical because the child's altered level of consciousness suggests potential compromise of the airway and the need to ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation.

Using a bag-mask device helps to provide positive pressure ventilation, which is essential for maintaining adequate oxygen delivery, especially in a child who is experiencing respiratory distress. The semiconscious state indicates that the child may not be able to maintain their airway or breathe adequately on their own, making artificial ventilation necessary.

Administering epinephrine is crucial in cases of severe allergic reactions, such as those caused by fire ant bites. The dosage of 0.15 mg is appropriate for a child of this age and weight, as it is effective in treating anaphylaxis by causing vasoconstriction, bronchodilation, and reducing swelling.

This combination of interventions—providing ventilation support and administering the correct dose of epinephrine—addresses the immediate life-threatening concerns of airway compromise and anaphylactic reaction effectively, making it the most suitable answer for this scenario