ATI Nursing Proctored Pediatric Test Banks Related

Review ATI Nursing Proctored Pediatric Test Banks related questions and content

A patient is being given penicillin via IV piggyback and develops an anaphylactic reaction. Which of the following should be the nurse's first action?

  • A. Call the doctor
  • B. Maintain the antibiotic
  • C. Call for help
  • D. Turn off the antibiotic
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the scenario of a patient developing an anaphylactic reaction to penicillin via IV piggyback, the nurse's first action should be to discontinue the administration of the antibiotic to prevent further exposure and potential worsening of the reaction. Turning off the antibiotic is critical as it stops the source of the allergic reaction. This step takes precedence over any other actions including calling the doctor, maintaining the antibiotic, or calling for help, as stopping the infusion is the most immediate and important action to take in managing an anaphylactic reaction. Once the antibiotic has been turned off, the nurse can then proceed with providing appropriate emergency treatments and notifying the healthcare team for further management.