A patient is stung by a bee and develops hives, facial swelling, and difficulty breathing within minutes. This rapid, life-threatening reaction is caused by:
A) The body releasing large amounts of histamine and other chemicals, causing widespread vasodilation and bronchoconstriction
B) A localized bacterial infection spreading from the sting site into the bloodstream
C) A direct toxic effect of the bee venom destroying red blood cells
D) The nervous system overreacting and causing the heart rate to slow dramatically