Paramedic National Registry Practice

What is a common sign of anaphylactic shock that differs from other types of shock?

1. Hypotension

2. Warm skin

3. Rash or urticaria

4. Altered mental status

The correct answer is: Rash or urticaria

A common sign of anaphylactic shock that sets it apart from other types of shock is the presence of a rash or urticaria. Anaphylactic shock is an extreme allergic reaction characterized by the release of histamines and other mediators from mast cells and basophils. This process often leads to skin manifestations such as hives, swelling, and redness. Urticaria, or hives, is specifically linked to allergic reactions and indicates the body's hypersensitivity to a trigger, such as food, medication, or insect stings. In contrast, hypotension is a sign that can occur in various types of shock, including hypovolemic and septic shock, and it does not uniquely indicate anaphylaxis. Warm skin may be associated with certain forms of shock, like septic shock, but not typically with anaphylaxis, where skin may show signs of pallor or cyanosis due to vascular collapse. Altered mental status can occur in many types of shock as the body fails to adequately perfuse the brain, but it is not a distinctive feature of anaphylactic shock like the presence of a rash. Thus, the occurrence of a rash or urticaria is a defining characteristic of anaphylactic shock, setting it apart from