Advanced Medical Life Support (AMLS)

A patient with chest tightness and urticaria after mowing the lawn is most likely experiencing which of the following?

1. Allergic reaction

2. Heart attack

3. Stroke

4. Pneumonia

The correct answer is: Allergic reaction

The patient’s symptoms of chest tightness and urticaria, especially following an activity like mowing the lawn, strongly indicate an allergic reaction. Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a skin reaction characterized by raised, itchy welts. This response is typically triggered by an allergen, which in this scenario could be something like pollen, grass, or another substance the patient was exposed to while mowing. Chest tightness can accompany allergic reactions, particularly if there is an involvement of the respiratory system, such as in cases of anaphylaxis or asthma exacerbation triggered by allergens. In contrast, conditions such as a heart attack or stroke would present differently, generally involving more severe symptoms and with a different clinical background. Pneumonia would typically have accompanying respiratory symptoms like fever, productive cough, and difficulty breathing, which are not present here. Therefore, the combination of urticaria and chest tightness following exposure to potential allergens aligns most closely with an allergic reaction.