Question

A nurse is preparing to administer a new prescription of amoxicillin/clavulanic to a client. The client tells the nurse that they are allergic to penicillin. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A. Administer the medication and monitor for an allergic reaction.
B. Withhold the medication and notify the provider.
C. Ask the client about the specific allergic reaction to penicillin.
D. Document the allergy in the client's chart and administer the medication.

Answer 1

The nurse should withhold the medication and notify the provider.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should take action B: withhold the medication and notify the provider.

When a client reports an allergy to penicillin, it is important to take it seriously and avoid administering any medications related to penicillin, such as amoxicillin/clavulanic. This is because individuals who are allergic to penicillin can experience a severe allergic reaction if exposed to it again, which can be life-threatening.

Therefore, the appropriate action for the nurse to take is to withhold the medication and notify the provider, who can then assess the situation and prescribe an alternative medication.