BCEN CEN Practice Question

The correct answer is anaphylaxis. The patient's presentation of distributive shock (hypotension, tachycardia, warm skin) immediately following multiple wasp stings is a classic presentation for anaphylaxis. Urticaria, or hives, is a common cutaneous sign of an allergic reaction. While septic shock can present with similar hemodynamic instability and lab abnormalities like elevated liver enzymes and thrombocytopenia, the extremely rapid onset tied to a known allergen exposure makes anaphylaxis the most likely diagnosis. Neurogenic shock typically presents with bradycardia, not tachycardia, due to loss of sympathetic tone. Hypovolemic shock is characterized by cool, clammy skin due to peripheral vasoconstriction, which is the opposite of the warm, flushed skin seen in this patient.