Which complication of anaphylactic shock is crucial for the nurse to identify early in an adolescent?

The most critical complication of anaphylactic shock that a nurse needs to identify early in an adolescent is laryngeal edema. This condition involves swelling in the throat that can significantly obstruct the airway, leading to breathing difficulties. If not recognized and addressed promptly, laryngeal edema can escalate rapidly into respiratory failure, which poses a life-threatening risk.

In cases of anaphylaxis, laryngeal edema may occur alongside other symptoms, but its potential for causing airway obstruction makes it a priority for early detection and intervention. Recognizing this complication allows for timely administration of treatments, such as epinephrine, which can reduce the swelling and alleviate the airway blockage.

While hypotension can indicate shock and may also warrant attention, it usually follows airway compromise. Rash and abdominal pain are common symptoms associated with anaphylaxis but do not pose the immediate threat to life that laryngeal edema represents. Therefore, recognizing and managing laryngeal edema is crucial in the setting of anaphylactic shock.