What type of medication should be administered if wheezes are heard in a patient?

The administration of a bronchodilator is the appropriate response when wheezing is present in a patient. Wheezing is often indicative of bronchospasm, which is a constriction of the air passages in the lungs, commonly associated with conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Bronchodilators work by relaxing the muscles around the airways, leading to dilation and improved airflow. This rapid action can help relieve symptoms such as wheezing and difficulty breathing, making bronchodilators a critical choice during exacerbations of respiratory conditions.

In contrast, while antibiotics are useful in treating bacterial infections, they do not address the airway constriction associated with wheezing. Corticosteroids can reduce inflammation in the airways but may not provide immediate relief of acute symptoms like wheezing. Antihistamines are typically used to address allergic reactions and symptoms related to histamine release, but they do not primarily relieve bronchospasm or wheezing directly. Therefore, the bronchodilator is the correct choice for managing wheezing effectively.