Test Bank for Medical Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Interprofessional Collaborative Care 10th Edition - Care of Patients with Hypersensitivity (Allergy) and Autoimmunity Related

Review Test Bank for Medical Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Interprofessional Collaborative Care 10th Edition - Care of Patients with Hypersensitivity (Allergy) and Autoimmunity related questions and content

A client is in the hospital and receiving IV antibiotics. When the nurse answers the client's call light, the client presents an appearance as shown below. What action by the nurse takes priority?

  • A. Administer epinephrine 1:1000, 0.2 mg IV push immediately.
  • B. Apply oxygen by facemask at 100% and a pulse oximeter.
  • C. Assess the patient's airway while calling the Rapid Response Team.
  • D. Reassure the client that these manifestations will go away.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The nurse should ensure the client's airway is patent and either call the Rapid Response Team or delegate this to someone else. This is the priority because airway management is critical in anaphylaxis. Epinephrine needs a prescription unless standing orders exist, oxygen may be needed but airway comes first, and reassurance is secondary to airway and rapid response.