If a patient is administered a medication they are allergic to, what should the nurse do next?

• A. Administer an antidote immediately
• B. Document the reaction and continue
• C. Assess the patient first, then call the physician
• D. Notify the family and continue

Answer: (C)

When a patient has an allergic reaction to a medication, the first priority is to assess and stabilize. Stop the offending drug immediately and perform a rapid evaluation of airway, breathing, and circulation, while monitoring vital signs and watching for signs of anaphylaxis such as wheezing, throat swelling, hives, or hypotension. The course of action depends on how severe the reaction appears, so this quick assessment guides the next steps. There isn’t a universal antidote for all drug allergies, and continuing the medication or trying to “treat” with something indiscriminately isn’t appropriate. After you’ve assessed the patient, you should notify the physician to obtain orders for appropriate management (which may include emergency interventions, extra medications, or escalated care). If the reaction is life-threatening, activate the emergency response and follow protocol while awaiting orders. Notifying family isn’t the immediate priority during an acute reaction.