Which of the following agents causes anaphylaxis?

Appeared in: IGIMS Staff Nurse - 2018

Explanation

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be triggered by multiple agents.
Medical literature confirms that drugs (like penicillin), various foods (like peanuts and shellfish), and insect venom (from bee or wasp stings) are all common and well-documented causes of anaphylaxis.
Since options A, B, and C are all correct, the most comprehensive and accurate choice is 'All of the above'.

Option A: This option is correct but incomplete. While drugs are a common cause of anaphylaxis, they are not the only cause.
Option B: This option is correct but incomplete. Foods are a major trigger for anaphylaxis, but drugs and insect venom also cause it.
Option C: This option is correct but incomplete. Insect venom is a known cause of anaphylaxis, but it is not the only one.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Etiology of Anaphylaxis as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A primary nursing responsibility is to obtain a thorough allergy history from every patient upon admission and before administering any new medication. This is a critical patient safety measure.
Nurses must be able to rapidly recognize the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis: respiratory distress (wheezing, stridor), hypotension, tachycardia, and skin changes (hives, angioedema).
Immediate intervention for anaphylaxis includes stopping the offending agent, calling for help, administering epinephrine, and providing respiratory support. Delay in treatment can be fatal.

How to Approach the Question

First, read the question carefully to understand what is being asked. The question asks for agents that cause anaphylaxis.
Evaluate each option individually based on your medical knowledge. Is 'Drugs' a cause? Yes. Is 'Foods' a cause? Yes. Is 'Insect venom' a cause? Yes.
Notice that multiple options (A, B, and C) are factually correct.
When several options are correct, look for a composite option like 'All of the above' or 'None of the above'.
In this case, since Drugs, Foods, and Insect venom are all established causes, 'All of the above' is the most complete and therefore the best answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QIPDdQ87NQ8N-EW_2iBaBH

E6 Medicine Davidson Principles Practice 24e pp. 96-98, 95-97

E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 215-217

Practise the full IGIMS Staff Nurse - 2018

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