What should the nurse do first when the patient shows signs of an allergic reaction to Vancomycin?

When a patient exhibits signs of an allergic reaction to Vancomycin, the first priority is to stop the infusion immediately. This action is critical in order to prevent further exposure to the medication, which could exacerbate the reaction and potentially lead to more serious complications. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe, including symptoms such as rash, hives, difficulty breathing, or even anaphylaxis. By halting the infusion, the nurse initiates a key safety intervention aimed at protecting the patient’s well-being.

Following the discontinuation of the infusion, the healthcare team can then proceed with additional steps such as notifying the physician, managing the patient's symptoms, and documenting the reaction to ensure proper care is provided moving forward. Prioritizing the cessation of the medication not only aligns with best practices in medication safety but also serves to swiftly address the patient's acute needs in a potentially life-threatening scenario.