What should you do if a patient is exhibiting signs of an allergic reaction?

When a patient shows signs of an allergic reaction, assessing the severity and initiating the appropriate emergency protocol is crucial. This response is essential because allergic reactions can range from mild to life-threatening. By assessing the severity, healthcare providers can determine whether immediate interventions are necessary, such as administering antihistamines, corticosteroids, or epinephrine in cases of anaphylaxis. Initiating the appropriate emergency protocol ensures that the patient's condition is managed effectively and promptly, which is vital in preventing complications and ensuring patient safety.

In this context, contacting the physician can be part of the process for ongoing care, but immediate assessment and action are often more critical in the face of potentially severe allergic reactions. Administering pain medication is not relevant, as it does not address the underlying allergic response. Ignoring the symptoms poses significant risks, as even mild reactions can escalate into more serious complications without appropriate intervention. Thus, assessing and responding swiftly to the patient's condition is the best course of action.