The shock caused by a severe allergic reaction is:

Appeared in: BTSC Staff Nurse 1 August-2025

Explanation

Anaphylactic shock is a type of distributive shock caused by a severe, systemic allergic reaction.
It results from an antigen-antibody reaction that triggers mast cells and basophils to release large amounts of histamine and other inflammatory mediators.
Histamine causes widespread vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) and increased capillary permeability, leading to a rapid and severe drop in blood pressure.
It also causes constriction of the airways (bronchospasm), leading to respiratory distress.
The combination of circulatory collapse and respiratory compromise defines anaphylactic shock.

Option A: Hypovolemic shock is caused by a reduction in intravascular volume, such as from hemorrhage or severe dehydration, not by an allergic reaction.
Option B: Neurogenic shock results from a loss of sympathetic nervous system tone, typically due to spinal cord injury or severe head injury, which causes vasodilation. It is not triggered by an allergen.
Option C: Cardiogenic shock is due to primary pump failure of the heart, meaning the heart cannot pump blood effectively. This is often caused by a massive heart attack, not an allergic reaction.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Identification of the type of shock associated with a severe allergic reaction as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Recognizing anaphylactic shock is a critical nursing skill. Symptoms can develop rapidly and include hives, angioedema (swelling), difficulty breathing, wheezing, and a sudden drop in blood pressure.
Immediate administration of intramuscular epinephrine is the first-line, life-saving treatment. Nurses must be prepared to administer it promptly as per protocol.
Nursing priorities include maintaining a patent airway, providing oxygen, monitoring vital signs closely, and administering IV fluids to support blood pressure.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key concepts in the question stem: 'shock' and 'severe allergic reaction'.
This is a factual recall question that asks you to link a cause (allergic reaction) to a specific type of shock.
Review the definitions of the four types of shock provided in the options.
Hypovolemic shock is about volume loss.
Neurogenic shock is about nerve damage.
Cardiogenic shock is about heart pump failure.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Identification of the type of shock associated with a severe allergic reaction.
Stem keywords: shock, severe allergic reaction
Lead-in keywords: is

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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 BTSC Staff Nurse 1 August-2025

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