A nurse is administering an intravenous drug to a patient for the first time. Which of these signs and/or symptoms would indicate that the patient is having an anaphylactic reaction to the medication?

Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. It produces signs and symptoms of distributive shock that may occur rapidly and require immediate intervention. Severe hypotension, tachycardia, respiratory distress, erythematous wheals, diaphoresis, and swelling of the tongue/upper airway may all occur. Patients in anaphylactic shock are often anxious and may have a sense of “impending doom.” Prolonged hypoperfusion may lead to loss of consciousness and organ failure. Hypertension, fatigue, and paresthesias are not associated with anaphylaxis.