What should a nurse do if a patient develops signs of an allergic reaction to ceftriaxone?

When a patient exhibits signs of an allergic reaction to ceftriaxone, it is crucial for the nurse to take immediate action to ensure the patient's safety. Discontinuing the drug promptly is essential because continuing the medication could exacerbate the allergic reaction, leading to more severe complications such as anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening response.

Recognizing the symptoms of an allergic reaction—such as rash, swelling, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis—is vital, as these signs indicate that the patient's immune system is reacting negatively to the medication. By stopping the administration of ceftriaxone, the nurse can prevent further exposure to the allergen and mitigate the risk of worsening the reaction.

Monitoring and documentation are still important but they come after immediate actions to ensure patient safety. Similarly, increasing the dose of ceftriaxone or administering additional antibiotics could worsen the reaction and complicate treatment, so those actions would not be appropriate in this scenario. Overall, prioritizing the patient's well-being by discontinuing the offending medication is the nurse's best course of action.