Final answer:
A nurse checking on a patient after administering an antibiotic is assessing for any adverse reaction to the medication. This step is crucial for patient safety to identify and manage any unexpected symptoms or side effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse administered an antibiotic 30 minutes ago and returns to the patient's room to determine if the patient is having any unexpected symptoms. This is an example of assessing for a(n) adverse reaction.
Nurses and other healthcare professionals monitor patients after administering medication to ensure that there are no unexpected reactions, which can range from mild side effects to severe allergic responses. This practice is critical in ensuring patient safety, as it allows for the prompt identification and management of any adverse effects the patient may be experiencing due to the medication.