MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

Which symptoms indicate someone is experiencing anaphylactic shock?

1. Swelling of hands and feet

2. Burning, itching skin, and difficulty breathing

3. Excessive sweating and dizziness

4. Severe headache and nausea

The correct answer is: Burning, itching skin, and difficulty breathing

Anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic reaction that occurs rapidly and can be life-threatening. The symptoms associated with anaphylaxis are characterized by the body's extreme response to an allergen, which can include symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, a rash, and gastrointestinal issues. The presence of burning, itching skin and difficulty breathing are indicative of anaphylaxis because they reflect the body’s reaction to an allergen that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to respiratory distress. This combination of symptoms can help in quickly identifying anaphylaxis, which requires immediate treatment, typically through epinephrine administration. In contrast, the other options reflect different symptoms that do not align with the classic presentation of anaphylactic shock, making them less relevant in this context. The option that includes difficulty breathing and skin reactions directly represents the critical and acute state that characterizes anaphylactic shock.