Which of the following could indicate a systemic allergic reaction during IV therapy?

A systemic allergic reaction during IV therapy may present with several symptoms, and chills can indeed be one of the indicators. When the body is responding to an allergen, it can trigger various immune system responses, including the release of histamines, which may lead to a range of symptoms such as chills, skin reactions, respiratory issues, or gastrointestinal discomfort. Chills, in particular, may represent a systemic response to the allergen, causing the patient to feel cold due to the body’s efforts to manage the reaction, possibly including fever or shivering in response to the immune reaction.

In contrast, increased blood pressure is more commonly associated with stress or pain rather than an allergic reaction. Dry mouth may be a side effect of medication or dehydration but does not specifically indicate an allergic response. Muscle cramps can also occur for various non-allergic reasons, such as electrolyte imbalances or overexertion, and are not typically seen as a primary symptom of a systemic allergic reaction. Therefore, chills serve as a pertinent sign of a potential allergic reaction during IV therapy.