Critical Care Paramedic Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Guide to Mastering Your Certification!

In anaphylactic shock, the physiological changes observed with a pulmonary artery (PA) catheter typically include a decrease in several hemodynamic parameters due to the widespread vasodilation and significant fluid shifts that occur in response to the severe allergic reaction.

When evaluating a patient in anaphylactic shock, one can expect a decline in cardiac output, reduced systemic vascular resistance, and lowered blood pressure. This diminished cardiac output is often reflected in a decrease in cardiac index, which represents the volume of blood the heart pumps adjusted for the patient's body surface area. Additionally, the central venous pressure (CVP) may also decline instead of increasing, resulting in significant changes in measurements observed during PA catheterization.

Therefore, the finding that encompasses all parameters decreasing aligns with the typical physiological response to anaphylactic shock. It reflects the comprehensive hemodynamic impact on the patient's status during this critical condition. Understanding these changes is essential for effective management and treatment in acute care settings.