NURS 3100 Exam 1 Practice

20 minutes after receiving a dose of antibiotic, a patient developed a red, itchy rash. What should the nurse do first?

1. Contact the prescriber and relay this assessment information.

2. Document the presence of the rash in medical record.

3. Place an allergy bracelet on the patient.

4. Plan to watch for a rash after next dose.

The correct answer is: Contact the prescriber and relay this assessment information.

In this scenario, where a patient develops a red, itchy rash after receiving a dose of an antibiotic, the immediate action the nurse should take is to contact the prescriber and relay this assessment information. This is important because the patient might be experiencing an allergic reaction to the antibiotic. Allergic reactions can range from mild symptoms like a rash to severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, and it is crucial to inform the prescriber promptly so that they can evaluate the situation and determine the appropriate course of action. This quick communication can help prevent further administration of the antibiotic and potentially avoid a more serious reaction. Options B, C, and D are not the most appropriate actions to take as the priority in this situation is to ensure the patient's safety by alerting the prescriber.