A patient is experiencing an anaphylactic reaction to a medication. Why should the nurse be concerned that the patient is developing distributive shock?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

1. In an anaphylactic reaction leading to distributive shock, the release of histamine causes vasodilation with plasma leakage. Vasodilation leads to profound hypotension, hypovolemia from fluid extravasation, reduced reload, and reduced cardiac output.
2. Sympathetic innervation is not interrupted in an anaphylactic reaction.
3. Microorganisms do not overwhelm the vascular system in an anaphylactic reaction.
4. Parasympathetic innervation functioning unopposed is not a characteristic of an anaphylactic reaction.

A Patient Is Experiencing an Anaphylactic Reaction to a Medication