Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

Which symptoms indicate anaphylaxis in a child who has been stung by a bee and has a known allergy?

1. Rash and itching

2. Nausea, urticaria (hives), stridor

3. Joint pain and fatigue

4. Headache and dizziness

The correct answer is: Nausea, urticaria (hives), stridor

The identification of anaphylaxis typically involves recognizing several key symptoms that can arise quickly after exposure to an allergen, in this case, a bee sting. In a child with a known allergy, the presence of symptoms like nausea, urticaria (hives), and stridor indicates a severe allergic reaction. Nausea can suggest gastrointestinal involvement, while urticaria points to a widespread release of histamines leading to raised, itchy welts on the skin. Stridor, a high-pitched wheezing sound during inhalation, indicates upper airway swelling, which is a critical sign of respiratory distress often seen in anaphylaxis. This combination of symptoms highlights the body's systemic reaction to the allergen, which may rapidly progress and require immediate medical intervention, such as the administration of epinephrine. In contrast, other symptoms listed in different options might occur with less severe allergic reactions or other conditions but do not signal the urgency associated with anaphylaxis.