Which of these is NOT a common cause of cardiac arrest?

A severe allergic reaction, also known as anaphylaxis, is less commonly associated with cardiac arrest compared to the other options listed. While anaphylaxis can lead to cardiovascular compromise and may potentially result in cardiac arrest, it is not considered a primary or direct cause.

Coronary artery disease is a leading cause of cardiac arrest because it can lead to myocardial infarction (heart attack), which disrupts the heart's ability to pump effectively. Electrical shock can cause immediate and severe disturbances in heart rhythm, leading to sudden cardiac arrest. Respiratory failure can result in inadequate oxygenation and subsequent hypoxia, which also poses a significant risk for cardiac arrest.

In contrast, while a severe allergic reaction has serious consequences, it typically leads to cardiovascular collapse as a secondary effect rather than being a common, direct cause of cardiac arrest itself. Therefore, it is accurate to identify it as not being a common cause of cardiac arrest.