Nursing interventions and care
Nursing interventions and care ( 7 Questions)
A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing an allergic reaction to a medication. Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize?
Administering an antihistamine
While antihistamines may be a part of the treatment plan for allergic reactions, they should not be the nurse's initial priority. The nurse should first assess the client's vital signs and overall stability before administering any medication.
Notifying the healthcare provider
While it is important to communicate with the healthcare provider, especially in severe cases, immediate intervention to monitor vital signs and ensure client stability should take precedence before notifying the healthcare provider.
Explanation: When a client experiences an allergic reaction, monitoring vital signs is a priority nursing intervention. An allergic reaction can lead to systemic manifestations, such as respiratory distress, hypotension, or tachycardia. Monitoring vital signs allows the nurse to assess the client's overall condition, identify any worsening symptoms, and provide prompt intervention.
Applying a cool compress to the affected area
Applying a cool compress may provide local relief for symptoms such as itching or redness. However, in the case of an allergic reaction, systemic manifestations require immediate attention. Therefore, monitoring vital signs takes priority over local comfort measures.
Explanation: When a client experiences an allergic reaction, monitoring vital signs is a priority nursing intervention. An allergic reaction can lead to systemic manifestations, such as respiratory distress, hypotension, or tachycardia. Monitoring vital signs allows the nurse to assess the client's overall condition, identify any worsening symptoms, and provide prompt intervention.
A) Administering an antihistamine
While antihistamines may be a part of the treatment plan for allergic reactions, they should not be the nurse's initial priority. The nurse should first assess the client's vital signs and overall stability before administering any medication.
B) Notifying the healthcare provider
While it is important to communicate with the healthcare provider, especially in severe cases, immediate intervention to monitor vital signs and ensure client stability should take precedence before notifying the healthcare provider.
D) Applying a cool compress to the affected area
Applying a cool compress may provide local relief for symptoms such as itching or redness. However, in the case of an allergic reaction, systemic manifestations require immediate attention. Therefore, monitoring vital signs takes priority over local comfort measures.