Which combination of signs most strongly suggests anaphylaxis?

Which combination of signs most strongly suggests anaphylaxis?

• A. Tachypnea, hypotension
• B. Bradycardia and hypertension
• C. No respiratory distress
• D. Normal skin color

Answer: (A)

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction involving both the airway/breathing and the cardiovascular system. When it progresses, you often see rapid breathing from airway swelling or bronchospasm and a drop in blood pressure from systemic vasodilation and fluid leakage. The combination of tachypnea and hypotension directly points to this kind of simultaneous airway and circulatory compromise, making it the strongest indicator of anaphylaxis. Bradycardia with hypertension isn’t typical of this reaction; anaphylaxis more commonly causes tachycardia and hypotension due to shock. No respiratory distress would argue against anaphylaxis, since airway involvement is common. Normal skin color can occur in some cases and doesn’t rule out anaphylaxis, but it doesn’t pair as clearly with the dangerous airway/circulatory picture as tachypnea with hypotension does.

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction involving both the airway/breathing and the cardiovascular system. When it progresses, you often see rapid breathing from airway swelling or bronchospasm and a drop in blood pressure from systemic vasodilation and fluid leakage. The combination of tachypnea and hypotension directly points to this kind of simultaneous airway and circulatory compromise, making it the strongest indicator of anaphylaxis.

Bradycardia with hypertension isn’t typical of this reaction; anaphylaxis more commonly causes tachycardia and hypotension due to shock. No respiratory distress would argue against anaphylaxis, since airway involvement is common. Normal skin color can occur in some cases and doesn’t rule out anaphylaxis, but it doesn’t pair as clearly with the dangerous airway/circulatory picture as tachypnea with hypotension does.