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Your client has an allergy to both penicillin and latex. Which of these pathophysiological facts should you apply when you are providing to this client?

  • A

    The sensitizing dose of penicillin can lead to anaphylaxis.

  • B

    The second dose of penicillin can lead to distributive shock.

  • C

    You should be aware of the fact that about 10% of the population has an allergy to both penicillin and latex.

  • D

    You should be aware of the fact that about 20% of the population has an allergy to both penicillin and latex.

Correct Response: B

The second dose of penicillin can lead to anaphylactic shock which is a form of distributive shock.

The first exposure to penicillin, referred to as the “sensitizing dose”, sensitizes and prepares the body to respond to a second exposure or dose. It is then the second exposure or dose that leads to anaphylaxis, or anaphylactic shock.

It is estimated that approximately 10% of people have had a reaction to penicillin. Some of these reactions are an allergic response and others are simply a troublesome side effect. There is no scientific data that indicates that 10% or 20% of the population has an allergy to both penicillin and latex.