A 10-year-old boy has been brought to the emergency department (ed) by ambulance in apparent anaphylaxis after accidentally eating a snack bar that contained peanuts. the ed nurse should be aware that this patient's signs and symptoms are attributable to:

The emergency department nurse should be aware that the patient is having anaphylaxis due to a massive release of histamine. The emergency department nurse should be aware that an apparent anaphylaxis presents as difficulty breathing, decreased SpO2, decreased blood pressure, increased heart rate, and other signs and symptoms attributed to shock. The nurse should recognize that peanuts are one of the most common allergens in triggering anaphylactic reaction.