A patient had sudden reaction following medicine administration, is a type of?

AIIMS Rishikesh & Jodhpur NO - 2017

Pharmacology

Medium

Appeared in: AIIMS Rishikesh & Jodhpur NO - 2017

Explanation

An anaphylactic reaction is a severe, life-threatening allergic response that occurs rapidly—within seconds to minutes—after exposure to a trigger, such as a medication.
The term 'sudden reaction' in the question stem is the key clue that points directly to anaphylaxis, as it is the most acute and rapid type of adverse drug reaction.
It is an IgE-mediated immune response where the body interprets the drug as a harmful substance, leading to a massive release of histamine and other chemical mediators.
Symptoms are systemic and can include respiratory distress (bronchospasm), cardiovascular collapse (hypotension), skin manifestations (urticaria, angioedema), and gastrointestinal issues.

Option B: A septic reaction is a systemic response to a widespread infection (sepsis), not a direct reaction to a medication's properties. Its onset is typically slower, developing over hours to days as the infection progresses.
Option C: A side effect is a known, predictable, and often dose-dependent effect of a drug that is not related to an immune response. While some can be unpleasant, they are generally not as acute or life-threatening as anaphylaxis. The term 'sudden reaction' implies a severity beyond a typical side effect.
Option D: This option is incorrect because 'Anaphylactic reaction' is a valid and highly specific medical term that accurately describes a sudden, severe reaction to a medication.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Differentiation of Adverse Drug Reactions to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
Recognizing the signs of anaphylaxis is a critical nursing skill. Immediate intervention is necessary to prevent respiratory or cardiovascular collapse and death.
The first-line treatment for anaphylaxis is the prompt administration of intramuscular epinephrine, which counteracts the life-threatening effects of the reaction.
Nurses must always assess for allergies before administering any new medication and monitor patients closely after administration, especially for drugs with a high incidence of allergic reactions like penicillins.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the keywords in the question stem: 'sudden reaction' and 'medicine administration'.
The word 'sudden' is the most critical clue, indicating a very rapid onset.
Next, evaluate the options based on their typical onset and mechanism.
Anaphylactic reaction is known for its immediate, life-threatening onset after allergen exposure.
Septic reaction is related to infection and has a slower onset (hours to days).
A side effect is a broader term, and while some can be quick, 'sudden reaction' points to the more severe and specific diagnosis of anaphylaxis.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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