To prepare post an explanation of the physiological

To Prepare
Post an explanation of the physiological progression
that occurs in anaphylactic shock. Then, describe the
circumstances under which you would refer patients for
emergency care versus treating as an outpatient. Finally,
explain how the patient factors you selected might impact the
process of anaphylactic shock.
Anaphylactic Shock
Anaphylactic shock is a type of distributive shock. It causes “an accelerated allergic
reaction that causes a release of large amounts of histamine, producing marked vasodilation.
Blood pressure falls because of the size of the vascular system exceeds the amount of blood
in it even though blood volume is normal” (Hammer & McPhee, 2014, p. 316).
“Anaphylactic shock results from widespread hypersensitivity reaction” (Huether &
McCance, 2017, p. 643). This is triggered when a patient is exposed to an allergen. The most
common allergens are; peanuts, shellfish, insect venoms, and medications like penicillin.
“Severe initial symptoms develop rapidly, reaching peak severity within 3-30 minutes. There
may occasionally be a quiescent period of 1–8 hours before the development of a second
reaction (a biphasic response)” (Lockey MD, 2012, para. 2). As the allergen bound IgE
degranulates the mast cells, they release a large amount of vasoactive and inflammatory

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cytokines. This triggers an extensive immune and inflammatory response causing
constriction of smooth muscle, including bronchospasms and laryngospasms.
Factors
A patient can be genetically predisposed in which exposure to allergens causes a type I
hypersensitivity reaction. Per Lockey (2012) food allergies and allergies to muscle relaxants are
more common in females.
To Treat or Not
Now days at the beginning of every school year as part of the information packet, is a place to
sign stating you agree to letting the school treat children in case of emergency; This would
include anaphylactic shock. If I was in this situation with or without a permission slip I would
use the epi-pen. Knowing this is a life or death situation and you only had minutes, it would be
better to treat than have a dead child. It is important that if a family knows there is an allergy that
they are educated, and wear an identifying bracelet so other around them are aware.