Question

A nurse is assessing a client following the administration of IV penicillin G. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing an anaphylactic reaction?

A) Bradycardia.
B) Hypotension.
C) Hyperthermia.
D) Urticaria.

Answer 1

Urticaria (hives) and hypotension are signs of an anaphylactic reaction after the administration of IV penicillin G. Anaphylaxis may lead to life-threatening symptoms and requires immediate medical attention.

Step-by-step explanation:

When assessing a client following the administration of IV penicillin G for signs of an anaphylactic reaction, the nurse should look for indications such as hypotension, changes in heart rate, respiratory distress, and severe swelling of the throat. Anaphylaxis is a systemic and potentially life-threatening type I hypersensitivity reaction characterized by symptoms like plummeting blood pressure (anaphylactic shock), difficulty breathing, and urticaria (hives). Of the options given, urticaria (D) is a sign of anaphylactic reaction, accompanied by hypotension (B), which is more indicative of anaphylaxis than bradycardia (A) or hyperthermia (C).