Final answer:
The nurse's priority action when a patient discloses a medication allergy is to document the allergy and communicate this information to the entire surgical team, ensuring it is included during the time out procedure before surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient discloses a medication allergy during the health history prior to a surgical procedure, the priority action by the nurse is to document the allergy and communicate this information to all members of the surgical team immediately. The nurse should ensure that the allergy is clearly noted in the patient's medical record and on the patient's chart. During the time out procedure, which is a final verification process before the surgery begins, the nurse reviews aloud the patient's allergy status with the entire surgical team to confirm that everyone is aware and prepared to avoid the use of the allergenic medication or substances related to the allergy.
Moreover, the nurse should verify that alternative medications or strategies are available, should they be required during the surgical procedure. This is crucial to ensure the safety of the patient, prevent any allergic reactions, and to adhere to the standards of critical thinking and patient care during surgery.