A patient who is prescribed a medication with a short onset of action experiences a rapid and unexpected adverse reaction resulting in facial swelling and difficulty breathing. Which action should the nurse take first?

A. Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and wear protective clothing when outdoors:Tetracycline can cause photosensitivity, making the skin more prone to sunburn and rashes. Using sunscreen and protective clothing helps prevent harmful reactions, making this the priority safety instruction.

B. Take the medication with dairy products to reduce stomach upset:Dairy can bind tetracycline and decrease its absorption, reducing effectiveness. While managing stomach upset is important, it does not prevent photosensitivity.

C. Increase sun exposure gradually to build tolerance to sunlight:Increasing sun exposure can worsen photosensitivity reactions. Patients should avoid direct sunlight while taking tetracycline.

D. Limit fluid intake to avoid dilution of the medication in the bloodstream:Limiting fluids is unsafe and unnecessary. Adequate hydration is important to reduce gastrointestinal irritation and support kidney function while taking tetracycline.

A. Document the adverse reaction in the patient’s chart:Documentation is important for legal and clinical records but is not the immediate priorityin a life-threatening situation. Patient safety comes first.

B. Assess the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation:Facial swelling and difficulty breathing indicate a potential anaphylactic reaction, which can be rapidly fatal. The nurse must first assess and maintain airway patency, oxygenation, and circulation before taking other actions.

C. Notify the provider immediately:Notifying the provider is necessary, but the nurse must first ensure the patient’s airway and vital functions are stable. Immediate intervention can be lifesaving.

D. Administer another dose of the medication to counteract the adverse reaction:Administering another dose would worsen the reaction. The priority is halting exposureand initiating emergency treatment, such as epinephrine if indicated.