Which type of shock is classified as anaphylactic?

Prepare for the Sacramento County EMS Exam with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question comes with hints and explanations. Get ready to excel!

Anaphylactic shock is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs when the immune system overreacts to a substance, such as food, insect stings, or medication. This type of shock falls under the category of distributive shock, which involves widespread vasodilation leading to a decrease in systemic vascular resistance and impaired circulation.

In anaphylactic shock, the release of histamines and other mediators from mast cells and basophils causes rapid expansion of blood vessels, leading to a significant drop in blood pressure and reduced blood flow to vital organs. This can cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling, and cardiovascular collapse. Immediate medical intervention, often via epinephrine, is critical to counteract these effects and restore hemodynamic stability.

Other types of shock, such as cardiogenic, hypovolemic, and neurologic shock, are categorized based on their underlying causes and mechanisms. Cardiogenic shock is due to heart failure, hypovolemic shock results from significant fluid loss, and neurologic shock refers to a loss of vascular tone following spinal cord injury. Each type of shock has distinct etiologies, presentations, and treatment strategies, making the understanding of anaphylactic shock particularly important in emergency medical services.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy