VATI Medical-Surgical Nursing Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Anaphylactic shock is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs when the immune system overreacts to a substance known as an allergen. This type of shock is characterized by the sudden release of chemicals, such as histamines, from mast cells and basophils in response to exposure to the allergen. The release of these chemicals leads to widespread vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, and bronchoconstriction, resulting in a drastic drop in blood pressure and difficulty in breathing.

Patients experiencing anaphylactic shock may present with symptoms such as hives, swelling, difficulty swallowing, rapid heartbeat, and gastrointestinal distress. Immediate recognition and treatment with epinephrine and other supportive measures are critical to manage this condition effectively. This unique pathway and mechanism clearly distinguish anaphylactic shock from other types of shock, such as cardiogenic, hypovolemic, or septic shock, which have different underlying causes and clinical presentations.