A nurse is preparing to administer an IV antibiotic to a client. The client states, "I'm allergic to penicillin, and my throat feels itchy." What is the nurse's priority action?
Administer the medication as prescribed.
Withhold the medication and notify the healthcare provider.
Ask the client to rate the severity of the itchiness.
Administer an antihistamine before giving the medication.
The Correct Answer is B
A) This choice is incorrect because administering the medication as prescribed may exacerbate the allergic reaction and is not safe without further assessment and medical guidance.
B) This choice is correct. The client's statement about being allergic to penicillin and experiencing itchiness in the throat suggests a potential allergic reaction. The nurse should withhold the medication and promptly notify the healthcare provider to assess the client's allergic response and determine an alternative course of action.
C) This choice is not the priority action. While assessing the severity of the itchiness is important, the nurse's priority is to withhold the medication and notify the healthcare provider about the potential allergic reaction.
D) This choice is incorrect because administering an antihistamine before notifying the healthcare provider may mask the symptoms of the allergic reaction and delay appropriate management.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) This choice is incorrect because infiltration involves the inadvertent administration of IV fluid into the surrounding tissues and is not associated with fever, chills, and malaise.
B) This choice is incorrect because phlebitis typically presents with localized symptoms around the insertion site, not red streaks along the vein path.
C) This choice is correct. The client's symptoms of fever, chills, malaise, and red streaks along the vein path are indicative of sepsis, which is a severe infection that can occur as a complication of IV therapy. Red streaks along the vein path may indicate the spread of infection along the vein.
D) This choice is incorrect because thrombophlebitis does not typically present with symptoms of fever, chills, and malaise. It is associated with tenderness and a palpable, cord-like structure along the vein.
Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) This choice is incorrect because administering IV medications rapidly may increase the risk of an allergic reaction, especially in a client with a history of multiple drug allergies.
B) This choice is incorrect because switching to oral medications may not be appropriate or feasible for all IV medications. The nurse should consider alternative medications only after performing a thorough allergy assessment and consulting with the healthcare provider.
C) This choice is incorrect because the choice of IV catheter gauge is not directly related to preventing allergic reactions. It should be based on the medication's compatibility and viscosity.
D) This choice is correct. A thorough allergy assessment is essential in a client with a history of multiple drug allergies to identify potential allergens and prevent exposure to allergenic medications. The nurse should communicate allergies to the healthcare team and document them in the client's medical record, using allergy alerts or wristbands, to ensure safe medication administration.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.