Final answer:
In the event of a suspected anaphylactic reaction indicated by dyspnea and hives following IV antibiotic administration, the nurse should immediately stop the medication and administer epinephrine, following anaphylaxis protocol and ensuring the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation are maintained.
Step-by-step explanation:
Treating Anaphylaxis
If a patient develops dyspnea and widespread hives after administering cefotetan via intermittent IV bolus, the nurse should first suspect an anaphylactic reaction. The initial step involves stopping the administration of the antibiotic immediately. It is critical to recognize this situation as a medical emergency, requiring prompt intervention to prevent severe consequences such as respiratory failure or cardiovascular collapse. The nurse should follow protocol for an anaphylactic reaction, which includes maintaining the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs), and administering epinephrine as the first-line treatment.
Epinephrine is the medication of choice for treating anaphylaxis because it works rapidly to constrict blood vessels to increase blood pressure, relaxes smooth muscles in the lungs to improve breathing, modulates heart rate, and reduces swelling that can block the airways. After administering epinephrine, the patient should be monitored closely and additional treatments, such as antihistamines and corticosteroids, may be given based on the patient's response. Emergency services should be contacted if they are not already present, as further medical management is necessary.