Question

Which is the priority action by the nurse when a patient discloses a medication allergy during the health history prior to a surgical procedure?

1) Asking the patient to describe the reaction that occurs
2) Documenting the information on the patient's medical record
3) Placing an alert bracelet on the patient prior to leaving the unit
4) Verifying the information with the patient's family members at the bedside

Answer 1

The nurse should first ask the patient to describe the allergic reaction, then document it in the medical records, place an alert bracelet on the patient, and communicate the allergy to the surgical team as part of safety protocols.

Step-by-step explanation:

The priority action by the nurse when a patient discloses a medication allergy during the health history prior to a surgical procedure is to first ask the patient to describe the reaction that occurs. This immediate step allows the nurse to assess the seriousness of the allergic reaction and to determine appropriate precautions to ensure the patient's safety. Subsequently, it is crucial to document the allergy in the patient's medical record.

An alert bracelet should be placed on the patient prior to surgical procedures, and this documented allergy should be communicated to all members of the surgical team during the sign-in and time-out procedures before anesthesia and skin incision. Ensuring that all essential healthcare providers are aware of a patient's known allergies is also a component of a safe surgery checklist, which includes verification of patient identity, surgical site and procedure, and critical concerns for the recovery and care of the patient.