Anaphylactic shock occurs suddenly in the affected

Anaphylactic shock occurs suddenly in the affected individual and if not treated quickly
could lead to death. Anaphylactic shock begins with anaphylaxis, typically due to a
hypersensitivity to an allergen such as a bee sting, food allergen, environmental toxin, or
medication (Huether & McPhee, 2012). As anaphylaxis progresses to shock, systemic vascular

resistance (SVR) is decreased due to extreme histamine release from mast cells after activation
by antigen-bound immunoglobulin E (IgE), as well as increased synthesis and release of
prostaglandins (Huether & McCance, 2012).
Treatment
Because anaphylaxis does not present the same characteristics for each person, it is
important for health care providers to recognize traditional as well as atypical symptoms of the
condition. Typical indicators of an anaphylactic state include trouble breathing, swelling to
hands, face, lips, or tongue, hives, or rash, and itching (Jacobsen, 2011). Treatment for those
classic symptoms include Epinephrine injections intramuscularly, antihistamines, and IV fluids.
Atypical signs of anaphylaxis include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased blood pressure, and
change in level of consciousness (Jacobsen, 2011). When it is not clear whether a person is