A nurse is reviewing the medication list of a client who is scheduled for surgery. The client reports that they are allergic to latex, iodine, and aspirin. Which of the following medications should the nurse alert the provider about?

Answer: C. Cefazolin is a similar type of antibiotic to penicillin, but it has a lower risk of causing an allergic reaction than penicillin. This is the correct answer because cefazolin belongs to the same class of antibiotics as penicillin, which are called beta-lactams. However, cefazolin is a first-generation cephalosporin, which has less cross-reactivity with penicillin than other cephalosporins. This means that clients who are allergic to penicillin have a lower chance of having an allergic reaction to cefazolin than to other beta-lactam antibiotics. The nurse should explain this to the client and monitor them for any signs of an allergic reaction.

A) "Cefazolin is a different type of antibiotic than penicillin, so you will not have an allergic reaction to it." This is an incorrect answer because cefazolin is not a different type of antibiotic than penicillin; they both belong to

the beta-lactam class of antibiotics. Therefore, there is still a possibility that the client could have an allergic reaction to cefazolin if they are allergic to penicillin.

B) "Cefazolin is a synthetic version of penicillin, so it does not contain any of the allergens that cause your reaction." This is an incorrect answer because cefazolin is not a synthetic version of penicillin; they are both derived from natural sources. Therefore, cefazolin could still contain some of the allergens that cause the client's reaction to penicillin.

D) "Cefazolin is a newer type of antibiotic than penicillin, so it has fewer side effects and less potential for causing an allergic reaction." This is an incorrect answer because cefazolin is not a newer type of antibiotic than penicillin; they were both discovered in the 1940s. Therefore, the age of the antibiotic does not determine its side effects or potential for causing an allergic reaction.

Explanation: When a client experiences an allergic reaction, monitoring vital signs is a priority nursing intervention. An allergic reaction can lead to systemic manifestations, such as respiratory distress, hypotension, or tachycardia. Monitoring vital signs allows the nurse to assess the client's overall condition, identify any worsening symptoms, and provide prompt intervention.

A) Administering an antihistamine

While antihistamines may be a part of the treatment plan for allergic reactions, they should not be the nurse's initial priority. The nurse should first assess the client's vital signs and overall stability before administering any medication.

B) Notifying the healthcare provider

While it is important to communicate with the healthcare provider, especially in severe cases, immediate intervention to monitor vital signs and ensure client stability should take precedence before notifying the healthcare provider.

D) Applying a cool compress to the affected area

Applying a cool compress may provide local relief for symptoms such as itching or redness. However, in the case of an allergic reaction, systemic manifestations require immediate attention. Therefore, monitoring vital signs takes priority over local comfort measures.