Question

A client is to receive antivenin following a snake bite. Before administering the antivenin, the nurse should give priority to: A. Administering a local anesthetic B. Checking for an allergic response C. Administering an anxiolytic D. Withholding fluids for 6-8 hours

Short answer

Answer: B. Checking for an allergic response.

Step-by-step solution

Analyze each option individually

We will analyze each option to determine its importance and relevance to the situation. Option A: Administering a local anesthetic. - A local anesthetic can help with pain management, but it may not be the most critical action to take before administering antivenin. Option B: Checking for an allergic response. - Allergic reactions to antivenin can be severe. Checking for an allergic response before administering antivenin is crucial to prevent life-threatening reactions such as anaphylaxis. Option C: Administering an anxiolytic. - An anxiolytic might help the patient to stay calm, but it is not the most important action to take before applying antivenin. Option D: Withholding fluids for 6-8 hours. - There is no strong medical rationale for withholding fluids before administering antivenin.

Identify the priority

Based on the analysis of each option, we can determine that the most important action for a nurse to take before administering antivenin is option B, checking for an allergic response. Allergic reactions to antivenin can be severe and life-threatening, so testing for an allergic response should be a priority in this situation. So, the correct answer is: B. Checking for an allergic response.