Final answer:
The nurse would contact the pharmacy to prevent a treatment error by ensuring the patient receives diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, instead of benazepril, which is for high blood pressure. Antihistamines are crucial in managing symptoms of allergic reactions, and for severe cases like anaphylaxis, epinephrine is the definitive treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse is caring for a patient experiencing an allergic reaction to a bee sting who has an order for diphenhydramine (Benadryl). The only medication in the patient’s medication bin is labeled benazepril. The nurse contacts the pharmacy for the correct medication to avoid a treatment error. Treatment errors can lead to administering the wrong medication, which in this case, could result in insufficient treatment of the allergic reaction and potential harm to the patient. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine used to treat the symptoms of allergies by blocking the action of histamine in the body. In contrast, benazepril is used to treat high blood pressure and is unrelated to the treatment of allergies.
It is critical to administer the appropriate medication in cases of allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. For severe reactions such as anaphylaxis, epinephrine is the first-line treatment, as it can rapidly counteract many of the life-threatening symptoms by constricting blood vessels and relaxing airway muscles. Antihistamines like diphenhydramine are also given to help manage symptoms by preventing mast cells from releasing histamines. During an allergic reaction, timely and accurate treatment is crucial to prevent severe outcomes and ensure patient safety.