Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

What might a patient exhibit if they are experiencing an allergic reaction affecting their airway?

1. Coughing

2. Diaphoresis

3. Skin pallor

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

A patient experiencing an allergic reaction affecting their airway may exhibit a range of symptoms that reflect the body's response to allergens. Coughing occurs as a natural reflex when the airways are irritated, helping to clear any obstructions or irritants. This symptom is particularly common in allergic reactions when inflammation or swelling affects the respiratory system. Diaphoresis, or excessive sweating, can also occur as a part of the body’s physiological response to stress or distress, including allergic reactions. The body may react by triggering the sympathetic nervous system, leading to increased sweating as a way to cope with the stress induced by the allergic response. Skin pallor may develop due to changes in blood flow as the body prioritizes blood to vital organs in response to an allergic reaction. This can be particularly evident if the patient experiences a more severe allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis, where blood vessels may dilate, leading to a drop in blood pressure and resulting in a pale appearance. Given that allergic reactions can produce a combination of these symptoms as a result of the body’s immune response, it is accurate to indicate that a patient might exhibit all of these signs when facing an allergic reaction that affects their airway. This comprehensive understanding allows healthcare providers to recognize the severity of the