anaphylactic shock

shock (shok)

1. a sudden disturbance of mental equilibrium.

2. a profound hemodynamic and metabolic disturbance due to failure of the circulatory system to maintain adequate perfusion of vital organs.

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anaphylactic shock  see anaphylaxis.

cardiogenic shock  shock resulting from inadequate cardiac function, as from myocardial infarction or mechanical obstruction; characteristics include hypovolemia, hypotension, cold skin, weak pulse, and confusion.

endotoxin shock  septic shock due to release of endotoxins by gram-negative bacteria.

hypovolemic shock  shock due to insufficient blood volume, either from hemorrhage or other loss of fluid or from widespread vasodilation so that normal blood volume cannot maintain tissue perfusion; symptoms are like those of cardiogenic shock.

insulin shock  a hypoglycemic reaction to overdosage of insulin, a skipped meal, or strenuous exercise in an insulin-dependent diabetic, with tremor, dizziness, cool moist skin, hunger, and tachycardia, sometimes progressing to coma and convulsions.

septic shock  shock associated with overwhelming infection, most commonly infection with gram-negative bacteria, thought to result from the actions of endotoxins and other products of the infectious agent that cause sequestration of blood in the capillaries and veins.

serum shock  see anaphylaxis and see under sickness.

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anaphylactic shock

n.

A severe, sometimes fatal allergic reaction characterized by a sharp drop in blood pressure, urticaria, and breathing difficulties that is caused by exposure to a foreign substance, such as a drug or bee venom, after preliminary or sensitizing exposure. The reaction may be fatal if emergency treatment, including epinephrine injections, is not given immediately. Also called anaphylaxis.

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Anaphylactic shock

A severe systemic reaction to an allergen that occurs in hypersensitive individuals. It can cause spasms of the larynx that block the patient's airway and cause dyspnea.

Mentioned in: Shortness of Breath, Wilderness Medicine

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anaphylactic shock,

a severe and sometimes fatal systemic allergic reaction to an allergen, such as a drug, vaccine, specific food, serum, allergen extract, insect venom, or chemical. This condition may occur within seconds to minutes from the time of exposure to the allergen and is commonly marked by respiratory distress and vascular collapse. The quicker the systemic atopic reaction in the individual after exposure, the more severe the associated shock is likely to be.

observations The first symptoms are intense anxiety, weakness, and a feeling of impending doom. Sweating and dyspnea may occur. These are followed, often quickly, by pruritus and urticaria. Other symptoms include hypotension, shock, arrhythmia, respiratory congestion, edema of the glottis, nausea, and diarrhea.

interventions Treatment requires the immediate intramuscular or subcutaneous injection of epINEPHrine, with vigorous massage of the injection site to ensure faster distribution of the drug. The airway is maintained, and the patient is carefully monitored for signs of edema of the glottis, which may require the insertion of an endotracheal tube or a cricothyrotomy and oxygen therapy. The signs of edema of the glottis include stridor, hoarseness, and dyspnea. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation may be required for cardiac arrest.

nursing considerations Nursing care requires appropriate emergency treatment and close monitoring for respiratory distress, hypotension, and decreased circulatory volume. Patients with a history of severe allergic reactions are instructed to avoid offending allergens; some patients must carry emergency anaphylaxis kits, such as an EpiPen Auto-Injector containing injectable epINEPHrine.

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anaphylactic

pertaining to anaphylaxis.

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anaphylactic reaction

see anaphylaxis.

anaphylactic shock

a serious and generalized state of shock brought about by hypersensitivity (anaphylaxis) to an allergen, such as a drug, foreign protein or toxin.