What are the characteristics of a moderate allergic reaction?

• A. Moderate reactions involve skin disorders and may include some respiratory involvement like wheezing, yet the patient still maintains good tidal volume air exchange
• B. Moderate reactions always progress to shock
• C. Moderate reactions have no skin symptoms
• D. Moderate reactions present with persistent vomiting only

Answer: (A)

Moderate allergic reactions show skin involvement—such as hives, itching, flushing, or angioedema—often with some respiratory signs like wheezing or mild shortness of breath, but the patient can still ventilate adequately, maintaining good tidal volume. This means airway and breathing are preserved enough to exchange air, even if bronchospasm is present. It’s more than a mild reaction (which may lack significant respiratory symptoms) but not as severe as anaphylaxis, where airway obstruction or shock can occur. So skin symptoms with possible wheeze and preserved ventilation best describe a moderate reaction; symptoms without skin involvement, vomiting only, or progression to shock are not characteristic of this level.