Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE) Practice Exam

Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that rapidly affects multiple systems in the body. It is characterized by symptoms that can develop quickly, often within minutes of exposure to an allergen. Common triggers include foods (such as peanuts or shellfish), medications, insect stings, and latex, among others.

During an anaphylactic reaction, individuals may experience a combination of symptoms such as difficulty breathing due to swelling in the throat, a rapid drop in blood pressure, hives or skin rashes, nausea or vomiting, and a sense of impending doom. This multisystem involvement makes anaphylaxis distinct from other conditions.

In contrast, asthma primarily affects the respiratory system but does not typically involve multiple systems in the same acute and potentially life-threatening manner as anaphylaxis. Anemia relates to the deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin, while dermatitis refers to inflammation of the skin. Both of these conditions do not represent the systemic and acute severity seen in anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical intervention, such as the administration of epinephrine and other supportive measures.