A nurse is caring for a school-age child who has acute otitis media and a new prescription for clindamycin. Which of the following findings indicates the child is experiencing an allergic reaction to the medication?
A.
Urticaria.
B.
Conjunctivitis.
C.
Temperature 38°C (100.4°F).
D.
Cool extremities.
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is A. Urticaria.
Explanation:
When caring for a school-age child with acute otitis media who has been prescribed clindamycin, it’s crucial for the nurse to monitor for potential allergic reactions. Clindamycin, an antibiotic, can cause various adverse effects, including allergic reactions. Among the options provided, urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a classic manifestation of an allergic response.
A. Urticaria is characterized by raised, itchy welts on the skin and is a direct result of histamine release in response to an allergen. This occurs when the immune system identifies a medication like clindamycin as a harmful substance, triggering an immune response that leads to the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators. The appearance of urticaria in a patient taking clindamycin is a clear indication that the child is experiencing an allergic reaction, necessitating immediate evaluation and intervention by the healthcare team.
B. Conjunctivitis may occur for various reasons, including viral infections or irritants, but it is not a direct indicator of an allergic reaction specifically to clindamycin. It can occur independently and does not necessarily imply an allergic response to the medication.
C. Temperature 38°C (100.4°F) is considered a mild fever and can be a sign of infection, but it does not indicate an allergic reaction. In fact, fever may be expected in cases of acute otitis media, reflecting the body’s inflammatory response to infection.
D. Cool extremities can indicate poor circulation or shock but do not specifically signal an allergic reaction to clindamycin. Instead, this finding may warrant further investigation for other underlying issues.
In summary, when monitoring for allergic reactions to medications like clindamycin, the presence of urticaria is a definitive indicator that an allergic response is occurring and requires prompt nursing action.