Final answer:
The nurse should immediately report the symptoms of hives and generalized itching to the physician, monitor the patient for any signs of anaphylaxis, and provide comfort measures while preparing for potential emergency treatments.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse's best action after assessing hives and generalized itching in a patient who was started on a new medication is to immediately report these findings to the prescribing physician. Hives and itching may be signs of an allergic reaction to the medication. It is crucial to assess the patient for other signs of a more severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, which could indicate anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition. The nurse should also monitor the patient's vital signs, provide comfort measures, and prepare to administer emergency medication like epinephrine if ordered.
Concerning Penny's clinical focus case, the corticosteroid cream such as hydrocortisone treats the symptoms of her rash by reducing inflammation and pruritus (itching) associated with her allergic reaction, but it does not treat the cause. If her rash is not improving or is getting worse, it's crucial for her to see the doctor as this could indicate a need for a different treatment approach or adjustment of medication.