Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Trauma Practice Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Anaphylactic shock is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs rapidly after exposure to an allergen. It involves the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators, leading to profound vasodilation, increased permeability of blood vessels, and bronchoconstriction. This can cause respiratory distress, hypotension, and cardiovascular collapse.

Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylactic shock because it acts quickly to counter the effects of the allergic reaction. It stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors, resulting in vasoconstriction that helps to raise blood pressure and restore circulation. Additionally, it stimulates beta-adrenergic receptors in the lungs, leading to bronchodilation, which alleviates respiratory distress. Administering epinephrine promptly is critical to managing anaphylactic shock and preventing further complications or death.

The other types of shock listed, including hypovolemic, neurogenic, and cardiogenic shock, have different underlying causes and require different treatments. For instance, hypovolemic shock primarily results from severe fluid loss and is often treated with fluid resuscitation rather than epinephrine. Neurogenic shock is characterized by a loss of sympathetic tone, typically necessitating the use of fluids and specific medications to stabilize