What should a nurse prioritize when managing a patient with severe allergic reactions?

In managing a patient with severe allergic reactions, prioritizing the assurance of a clear airway is crucial because respiratory compromise is a frequent consequence of severe allergic reactions, particularly anaphylaxis. The swelling of the throat and airway can lead to obstructed breathing, which poses an immediate risk to the patient’s life. Therefore, ensuring that the airway is unobstructed is the first action that must be taken to prevent respiratory failure.

While administering antihistamines, monitoring vital signs, and providing reassurance are also important components of care, they should not take precedence over airway management. Antihistamines can help alleviate symptoms but do not act quickly enough to address airway obstruction. Monitoring vital signs is essential to assess the patient's stability, but without a clear airway, vital signs may deteriorate rapidly. Additionally, while reassuring the patient can help reduce anxiety, it will not address the immediate physiological threat posed by potential airway compromise.