Final answer:
The physiological response that often accompanies the vascular response in anaphylaxis is the contraction of bronchial smooth muscle, causing bronchoconstriction, although with medical intervention, epinephrine induces bronchodilation to counteract this. Those with severe allergies should carry an epinephrine autoinjector like an EpiPen® to treat anaphylaxis promptly to prevent fatal outcomes. The correct option is C .
Step-by-step explanation:
Anaphylactic shock, also known as anaphylaxis, is the most severe form of a systemic allergic reaction. It manifests as an intense, rapid, life-threatening response caused by the massive release of inflammatory mediators such as histamine following exposure to an allergen which some individuals are extremely sensitive to. The vascular response of vasodilation and increased capillary permeability can lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure. One of the physiological responses that often accompanies the vascular response in anaphylaxis is the contractions of bronchial smooth muscle, which leads to narrowing of the airways and difficulty in breathing, also known as bronchoconstriction. The correct answer to the question of which physiologic response often accompanies the vascular response in anaphylaxis is c) Bronchodilation, although it is more accurate to say that pharmacological treatment with epinephrine induces bronchodilation as a countermeasure to bronchoconstriction.
In cases of anaphylaxis, substances released during the immune response cause bronchial smooth muscle to contract, leading to bronchoconstriction - not bronchodilation. However, the administration of epinephrine in an emergency setting is crucial as it relaxes the bronchial smooth muscle (bronchodilation), increases blood pressure, modulates heart rate, and reduces swelling that can block airways. This makes epinephrine a life-saving treatment for individuals experiencing anaphylaxis, and it is why those with known severe allergies are advised to carry epinephrine autoinjectors, such as EpiPens®, at all times.
Furthermore, anaphylactic shock can lead to other severe symptoms including laryngeal edema, which can obstruct the airway thus enhancing the critical nature of the condition. It is essential to provide immediate treatment for people suffering from anaphylactic shock to avoid fatal outcomes, typically with an injection of epinephrine to counteract the effects of the anaphylactic reaction.