A patient with no known drug allergies is receiving amoxicillin [Amoxil] PO twice daily. Twenty minutes after being given a dose, the patient complains of shortness of breath. The patient's blood pressure is 100/58 mm Hg. What will the nurse do?

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This patient is showing signs of an immediate penicillin allergy, that is, one that occurs within 2 to 30 minutes after administration of the drug. The patient is showing signs of anaphylaxis, which include laryngeal edema, bronchoconstriction, and hypotension; these must be treated with epinephrine. This is an emergency, and the provider must be notified immediately, not when other symptoms develop. It is not necessary to order skin testing. The patient must be treated immediately, and subsequent doses should not be given.

A Patient with No Known Drug Allergies Is Receiving Amoxicillin