Causes and risk factors

Causes and risk factors ( 7 Questions)

A nurse is preparing to administer amoxicillin to a client who has a respiratory infection. The client states that he is allergic to penicillin and shows the nurse a medical alert bracelet. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?



Correct Answer: B

Amoxicillin is a penicillin derivative that has a high cross-reactivity with penicillin. Therefore, the nurse should hold the medication and notify the provider of the client's allergy. The provider may prescribe an alternative antibiotic that belongs to a different class, such as a macrolide or a fluoroquinolone.

A) is incorrect because administering the medication as prescribed and monitoring for signs of an allergic reaction can put the client at risk of developing a serious or life-threatening reaction, such as anaphylaxis. The nurse should not administer any medication that the client is allergic to.

C) is incorrect because asking the client about the type and severity of his allergic reaction to penicillin is not enough to prevent an allergic reaction to amoxicillin. Even if the client had a mild reaction to penicillin in the past, he may have a severe reaction to amoxicillin in the present. The nurse should avoid giving any medication that has cross-sensitivity with penicillin.

D) is incorrect because administering an antihistamine before giving the medication to prevent an allergic reaction is not a safe or effective practice. Antihistamines do not prevent anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening reaction that requires immediate intervention. Antihistamines can also mask some signs of an allergic reaction, such as itching and hives, making it harder to detect and treat.




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