Final answer:
The priority nursing action for a 7-year-old showing signs of allergic reaction to a bee sting would be close monitoring and, if necessary, prompt administration of an epinephrine auto-injector. Epinephrine is crucial for preventing a severe allergic reaction from escalating into anaphylactic shock.
Step-by-step explanation:
For a 7-year-old client who is exhibiting symptoms of an allergic reaction to a bee sting but is breathing and able to verbally communicate, the priority nursing action would be to administer emergency treatment to prevent the condition from escalating to anaphylactic shock. Based on the information provided, the client's vitals, including pulse, respiration, and blood pressure, are noted and do not currently indicate anaphylactic shock. However, given the circumstance of a bee sting allergy, it is critical to monitor the client closely for signs of anaphylaxis, like respiratory distress or a significant drop in blood pressure.
Clients with known severe allergies are often prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector (such as an EpiPen), which should be administered promptly in the event of a severe allergic reaction. If the client has such an injector available, the nurse should use it immediately and then continue to monitor the client's vital signs while seeking additional medical support. If the client does not have an auto-injector, the nurse should be prepared to administer epinephrine and provide respiratory support as needed.