What action should you take if a patient is ordered ampicillin (Ancef) but has a known allergy to penicillin?

Contacting the provider to question the order is the most appropriate action when a patient has a known allergy to penicillin and is ordered ampicillin (Ancef), which is a penicillin derivative. Understanding the implications of drug allergies is crucial in nursing practice, especially in the post-anesthesia care unit where patients may already be in a vulnerable state due to sedation or surgery.

In this scenario, the action of contacting the provider serves to clarify and potentially rescind the medication order, ensuring patient safety. Patients with a penicillin allergy often experience similar reactions to other beta-lactam antibiotics, including ampicillin. Thus, it is essential to verify the appropriateness of the order to prevent any adverse reactions.

While pre-medication or supportive care could be options in certain situations, they do not address the fundamental problem of providing a drug to a patient who is at risk for an allergic reaction. Documenting the allergy and then proceeding with administration is not advisable, as it poses a direct risk to the patient's health. The patient’s safety should always be the top priority, making it critical to involve the prescribing provider when there is such a significant concern.