CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

Which of these is not a typical symptom of anaphylactic shock?

1. Itching

2. Redness of the skin

3. Sudden weight gain

4. Shortness of breath

The correct answer is: Sudden weight gain

Anaphylactic shock is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur rapidly after exposure to an allergen. It is characterized by a range of symptoms that primarily result from the body's release of histamines and other chemical mediators in response to the allergen. The symptoms commonly associated with anaphylactic shock include itching, which results from the release of histamines affecting the skin; redness of the skin, also due to vasodilation caused by the same mediators; and shortness of breath, which can occur as airway swelling and bronchospasm develop. These symptoms are directly related to the body's acute inflammatory response to the allergen, leading to problems with respiratory function, skin reactions, and generalized symptoms. In contrast, sudden weight gain is not a symptom typically associated with anaphylactic shock. Anaphylaxis involves rapid onset physiological responses rather than a gradual or accumulation effect that would lead to noticeable weight changes in a short timeframe. This distinction is critical in recognizing the symptoms of anaphylaxis and understanding the urgency of the condition.