Question

Why are patients asked to wait for 20 minutes after an allergy shot before leaving the office?

A. To make sure there is no adverse reaction.
B. An additional dose may be needed.
C. The patient's temperature should be taken.
D. To make sure the injection site does not bleed.

Answer 1

Patients are asked to wait after an allergy shot to ensure no severe reactions like anaphylaxis occur, which doctors must be ready to treat.

Step-by-step explanation:

Patients are asked to wait for 20 minutes after an allergy shot before leaving the office to make sure there is no adverse reaction. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe, with the most severe being anaphylactic shock, which can be life-threatening. After receiving an allergy shot, a patient might experience a severe systemic reaction, so doctors' offices that provide desensitization therapy must be equipped to handle such emergencies. This waiting period is crucial for the safety of the patient, as it provides sufficient time for any potential anaphylactic reactions to become evident, allowing for immediate medical intervention if necessary.