What finding would indicate that a patient is having an acute reaction after a bee sting?

In the context of an acute reaction following a bee sting, which is often an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, the presence of hypotension is a significant finding. Hypotension can result from a severe allergic reaction leading to vasodilation and increased permeability of blood vessels, causing fluid to leak from the vascular system. This can lead to a drop in blood pressure, which is a critical sign that the patient may be in shock.

While tachypnea (rapid breathing) and tachycardia (rapid heart rate) can also occur during an acute allergic reaction, they are more general signs of distress and do not specifically indicate the severity of the reaction as hypotension does. Hyperglycemia may also be present in various stress states but is not a classic response to an acute allergic reaction, making it less relevant in this context. Therefore, the presence of hypotension is a clear indicator of a severe reaction requiring immediate medical intervention.