ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

Which of the following is a sign of an allergic reaction during contrast administration?

1. Increased heart rate

2. Nausea

3. Difficulty breathing

4. Headache

The correct answer is: Difficulty breathing

Difficulty breathing is indeed a significant sign of an allergic reaction during contrast administration. Allergic reactions can lead to respiratory distress, which may manifest as difficulty in breathing, wheezing, or a feeling of tightness in the chest. This occurs because the body’s immune system responds to the contrast agent as if it were a harmful substance, causing inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which makes breathing more difficult. Other manifestations of an allergic reaction can include skin reactions like hives or rashes, swelling of the throat, and anaphylaxis in severe cases, all of which may significantly impair breathing. Recognizing difficulty breathing as a sign requires prompt intervention to ensure patient safety, as it can escalate quickly into a life-threatening situation. While increased heart rate, nausea, and headache can occur for various reasons during and after procedures involving contrast agents, they are not definitive indicators of an allergic reaction. Increased heart rate is more associated with anxiety or pain, nausea could stem from various factors including the contrast itself or the procedure, and headache can result from factors unrelated to an allergic process, such as stress or dehydration.