The nurse is caring for a patient with otitis media who reports an allergy to penicillin. Orders are received for ampicillin 500 mg every 8 hr. Which of the following actions by the nurse is best?
A) Provide the medication as ordered.
B) Call the pharmacist to request a substitution.
C) Ask the patient if he or she has taken ampicillin in the past.
D) Hold the medication.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ampicillin is a type of penicillin, so giving it to a patient with a penicillin allergy could cause an allergic reaction. The best action is to hold the medication and consult with the healthcare provider for an alternative.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient with Otitis Media