Shock caused by severe allergic reaction is?

Appeared in: IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg Entrance-2017

Explanation

Anaphylactic shock is the correct answer as it is defined as a life-threatening cardiovascular collapse caused by a severe, systemic allergic reaction.
The underlying mechanism involves an antigen-antibody reaction that triggers mast cells and basophils to release massive amounts of histamine.
Histamine causes widespread vasodilation, increased capillary permeability, and bronchoconstriction, leading to hypotension, tissue edema, and respiratory distress.
Common triggers include medications, insect stings, foods, and latex.

Option A: Neurogenic shock is incorrect because it results from a loss of vasomotor tone due to damage to the nervous system (like a spinal cord injury), not an allergic reaction.
Option C: Septic shock is caused by a systemic inflammatory response to a widespread infection, not an allergic reaction.
Option D: Cardiogenic shock is due to pump failure, where the heart itself is unable to pump sufficient blood. It is not related to an allergic response.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain The concept tested is the classification of shock, specifically identifying the type of shock associated with a severe allergic reaction as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Anaphylactic shock is a medical emergency requiring immediate recognition and intervention to prevent death.
The first-line treatment is the prompt administration of intramuscular epinephrine, which counteracts the effects of histamine by causing vasoconstriction and bronchodilation.
Nurses must be able to quickly identify the signs: hypotension, tachycardia, urticaria (hives), angioedema, and respiratory distress, and act swiftly.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'shock' and 'severe allergic reaction'.
This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of the definitions of different types of shock.
Mentally review the primary causes for each type of shock listed in the options.
Neurogenic shock is related to nerve damage.
Septic shock is related to infection.
Cardiogenic shock is related to heart pump failure.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: The concept tested is the classification of shock, specifically identifying the type of shock associated with a severe allergic reaction.
Stem keywords: Shock, severe allergic reaction
Lead-in keywords: is
Negative lead-in flag: false

QeCBpKQMtQgQswKSbJhSl4

E6 Physiology Guyton 4SAE Part 2A p. 30-32

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 646-648

E6 Pathology-Textbook of PATHOLOGYHarsh Mohan Part 1 (1-214) p. 194-196

Practise the full IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg Entrance-2017

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.