If a patient shows signs of an allergic reaction after a medication administration, what should be your immediate action?

When a patient shows signs of an allergic reaction after medication administration, the immediate action should be to stop the medication and notify the physician. This step is essential because continuing the medication could exacerbate the allergic reaction, leading to more severe symptoms or potentially life-threatening conditions such as anaphylaxis. By stopping the medication promptly, you remove the offending agent from the patient's system, which is crucial in managing the reaction.

Notifying the physician is also critical for further assessment and treatment. The physician may need to intervene quickly, potentially prescribing additional medications such as epinephrine in cases of severe reactions, or guiding the next steps regarding the patient's care. This response ensures that the patient receives the appropriate and timely medical attention needed to manage their condition safely.

Monitoring the patient closely, administering antihistamines, or documenting the reaction are important steps that should follow, but the priority must always be to halt the offending medication and alert the physician to prevent further complications.