Lewis's Medical Surgical Nursing in Canada, 5th Edition - Altered Immune Response and Transplantation Related

Review Lewis's Medical Surgical Nursing in Canada, 5th Edition - Altered Immune Response and Transplantation related questions and content

The nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving an IV antibiotic and develops wheezes and dyspnea. In which order should the nurse implement these prescribed actions?

  • A. Discontinue the antibiotic infusion.
  • B. Give diphenhydramine IV.
  • C. Inject epinephrine IM.
  • D. Start 100% oxygen using a nonrebreather mask.
Correct Answer: A,D,C,B

Rationale: The nurse should initially discontinue the antibiotic, since it is the likely cause of the allergic reaction. Next, oxygen delivery should be maximized, followed by treatment of bronchoconstriction with epinephrine administered IM or IV. Diphenhydramine will work more slowly than epinephrine, but will help prevent progression of the reaction.