Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

In cases of anaphylactic shock, what action should the nurse take if the offending agent is known?

1. Stop the offending agent

2. Restrict fluid intake due to fluid overload

3. Manage hypertension with vasodilators

4. No drugs are known to be helpful with allergic reactions of this magnitude

The correct answer is: Stop the offending agent

In cases of anaphylactic shock, the immediate and most critical action is to stop the offending agent if it is known. Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can lead to rapid onset of symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling, hives, and in some cases, loss of consciousness due to hypotension or shock. Identifying and eliminating exposure to the allergen is paramount, as it can significantly reduce the severity of the reaction and provide a window for other interventions to be effective. Intervening quickly to remove the trigger helps to halt the progression of the anaphylactic response, allowing the patient to potentially stabilize before the administration of emergency medications like epinephrine, which is the first-line treatment for anaphylactic shock. Without stopping the allergen, even the best treatment measures may not be successful. The other options do not address the essential first step of managing anaphylaxis effectively. Restricting fluid intake would be inappropriate, as patients in shock often require intravenous fluids to support their blood pressure and tissue perfusion. Managing hypertension with vasodilators is generally not applicable in anaphylaxis; instead, vasopressors may be necessary after initial treatment. Lastly, it is inaccurate to state that no drugs are