During anaphylaxis, what happens to blood vessels?

Prepare for the NREMT AEMT Test. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam now!

Multiple Choice

During anaphylaxis, what happens to blood vessels?

Explanation:
During anaphylaxis, mediators like histamine released from mast cells cause widespread vasodilation. The blood vessels widen, which lowers systemic vascular resistance and often leads to a drop in blood pressure. The body may compensate with a faster heart rate. So the best description of what happens to blood vessels is that they dilate. Vasoconstriction would raise BP, unchanged pressure isn’t typical in anaphylaxis, and a slowed heart rate isn’t expected—the heart rate usually increases to help perfuse organs.

During anaphylaxis, mediators like histamine released from mast cells cause widespread vasodilation. The blood vessels widen, which lowers systemic vascular resistance and often leads to a drop in blood pressure. The body may compensate with a faster heart rate. So the best description of what happens to blood vessels is that they dilate. Vasoconstriction would raise BP, unchanged pressure isn’t typical in anaphylaxis, and a slowed heart rate isn’t expected—the heart rate usually increases to help perfuse organs.

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