What would be an appropriate action if a patient shows signs of an allergic reaction during IV therapy?

When a patient exhibits signs of an allergic reaction during IV therapy, stopping the infusion and notifying the healthcare provider immediately is critical. This action is vital for the safety and well-being of the patient. Allergic reactions can escalate rapidly and may lead to severe complications, such as anaphylaxis, which is a medical emergency. By stopping the infusion, you prevent further exposure to the allergen, potentially mitigating the severity of the reaction.

Notifying the healthcare provider allows for timely assessment and intervention. The provider may need to order medications, such as antihistamines or corticosteroids, and implement additional monitoring and care strategies to address the patient's reaction.

Continuing the infusion, adjusting the flow rate, or simply documenting the reaction without taking immediate action could lead to worsened symptoms and delay necessary medical treatment, putting the patient at risk. Therefore, the most appropriate action in this scenario is to stop the infusion and alert the healthcare provider at once.