Which of the following is an acute hypersensitivity reaction associated with chemotherapy?

Which of the following is an acute hypersensitivity reaction associated with chemotherapy?

• A. Anaphylactic and hypersensitivity reactions
• B. Extravasation or flare reactions
• C. Anticipatory nausea and vomiting
• D. Dysrhythmias

Answer: (A)

Acute hypersensitivity reactions are systemic immune-like responses that chemotherapy can trigger during infusion, due to mast cell and basophil degranulation. They often occur quickly and involve widespread symptoms such as flushing, hives, wheezing, and low blood pressure, and in severe cases can progress to anaphylaxis. This makes the reaction class most consistent with an immediate, body-wide immune-mediated response, which is what the question is asking about. In contrast, extravasation or flare reactions are localized to the IV site and tissue around it, not a body-wide immune response. Anticipatory nausea and vomiting is a conditioned, psychological response rather than an immune-mediated reaction. Dysrhythmias are cardiac side effects from drug toxicity or electrolyte disturbances, not hypersensitivity.

Acute hypersensitivity reactions are systemic immune-like responses that chemotherapy can trigger during infusion, due to mast cell and basophil degranulation. They often occur quickly and involve widespread symptoms such as flushing, hives, wheezing, and low blood pressure, and in severe cases can progress to anaphylaxis. This makes the reaction class most consistent with an immediate, body-wide immune-mediated response, which is what the question is asking about.

In contrast, extravasation or flare reactions are localized to the IV site and tissue around it, not a body-wide immune response. Anticipatory nausea and vomiting is a conditioned, psychological response rather than an immune-mediated reaction. Dysrhythmias are cardiac side effects from drug toxicity or electrolyte disturbances, not hypersensitivity.