Question

You are called to assist an adult female with a possible allergic reaction. You arrive to find a 22-year-old patient who is just beginning to have difficulty breathing. She has itching, urticaria, and hives after a bee-sting. During the possible allergic reaction, what is occurring at the cellular level?

A. The mast cells are retaining the vasoactive amines, resulting in a localized response to the sting

B. The cells begin a hypermetabolic state associated with the patient's increased activity level after the sting

C. An anaerobic metabolism has begun at the local level and is now moving into the vasculature

D. The mast cells have degranulated, releasing serotonin and histamines into the general circulation

Answer 1

In a possible allergic reaction following a bee sting, the correct option describing what is occurring at the cellular level is: D. The mast cells have degranulated, releasing serotonin and histamines into the general circulation.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a possible allergic reaction following a bee sting, the correct option describing what is occurring at the cellular level is: D. The mast cells have degranulated, releasing serotonin and histamines into the general circulation. When an individual is stung by a bee, the body's immune system may recognize the venom as a threat, leading to the activation of mast cells. Mast cells contain granules filled with substances such as histamine and serotonin. In response to the bee venom, these mast cells degranulate, releasing these vasoactive substances into the bloodstream. Histamine, in particular, plays a crucial role in vasodilation and increased permeability of blood vessels, leading to the symptoms observed, such as itching, urticaria (hives), and difficulty breathing. This widespread release of mast cell contents into the general circulation can result in a systemic allergic reaction.