Question

you are assessing a patient who has just been stung by a bee. the patient has a history of allergies to bee stings. the patient is complaining of a swollen tongue, watery eyes, runny nose, rapid heart rate, flushed skin, and hives. which sign or symptom indicates the patients airway may become compromised?

flushed skin and hives.
rapid heart rate.
swollen tongue.
runny nose.

Explanation:

Identify the clinical presentation

Using the Allergic Reaction Progression knowledge point, we analyze the patient's signs and symptoms following a bee sting: a swollen tongue, watery eyes, runny nose, rapid heart rate, flushed skin, and hives. These findings indicate a systemic allergic reaction progressing toward anaphylaxis.

Evaluate airway compromise risk

Using the Anaphylaxis Management knowledge point, we assess which of the presenting signs directly threatens the patency of the respiratory tract. Flushed skin, hives, watery eyes, and a runny nose are common integumentary and mucosal signs of a mild to moderate allergic reaction. A rapid heart rate is a cardiovascular response to stress or early shock. However, a swollen tongue (angioedema) physically obstructs the upper airway, directly leading to acute airway compromise and respiratory failure.

Answer:

• Flushed skin and hives.
• Rapid heart rate.
• Swollen tongue. (Correct answer)
• Runny nose.