Prior to infusing antibiotics for cellulitis, a patient reports a penicillin allergy. Which action should the practical nurse take first?

Prior to infusing antibiotics for cellulitis, a patient reports a penicillin allergy. Which action should the practical nurse take first?

• A. Notify the prescribing physician of the allergy.
• B. Check that the ordered antibiotics do not contain penicillin.
• C. Ask Mrs. Collins what happens when she has penicillin.
• D. Place an allergy band on Mrs. Collins's wrist.

Answer: (C)

The first thing to do is gather a detailed allergy history by asking what happens when she takes penicillin. This question helps determine whether her report is a true penicillin allergy or a nonallergic reaction, and it clarifies the reaction’s severity, onset, and whether she’s ever required treatment such as epinephrine or hospitalization. Knowing the exact reaction guides safe antibiotic choices and informs whether penicillin can be used with precautions, needs an alternative, or should be avoided altogether. After obtaining those details, you would document the allergy clearly and discuss the findings with the prescriber if the reaction was severe or uncertain. Checking the drug order and considering safety measures, like labeling the allergy in the chart, would follow once you have a clear understanding of the allergy.

The first thing to do is gather a detailed allergy history by asking what happens when she takes penicillin. This question helps determine whether her report is a true penicillin allergy or a nonallergic reaction, and it clarifies the reaction’s severity, onset, and whether she’s ever required treatment such as epinephrine or hospitalization. Knowing the exact reaction guides safe antibiotic choices and informs whether penicillin can be used with precautions, needs an alternative, or should be avoided altogether.

After obtaining those details, you would document the allergy clearly and discuss the findings with the prescriber if the reaction was severe or uncertain. Checking the drug order and considering safety measures, like labeling the allergy in the chart, would follow once you have a clear understanding of the allergy.