What should a dental nurse do if a patient experiences an allergic reaction?

When a patient experiences an allergic reaction during a dental procedure, the top priority for a dental nurse is to ensure the safety and well-being of the patient. Stopping the procedure and providing appropriate medical assistance is essential because allergic reactions can escalate rapidly, potentially leading to serious complications like anaphylaxis.

In this scenario, the dental nurse should immediately halt any treatment and assess the patient's condition. It's critical to have emergency protocols in place, which may include calling for help from other staff trained in emergency response and administering first aid as necessary. The dental nurse can also initiate basic intervention measures, like ensuring the patient is in a position that supports their breathing and monitoring their vital signs.

While administering an antihistamine may be necessary in some allergic reactions, it requires proper assessment and should ideally be done under the guidance of a medical professional, which could misinterpret the response time required in a critical situation. Calling the patient's doctor may be appropriate but it's usually done after ensuring immediate care is being provided for the patient. Continuing the procedure is inappropriate as it could exacerbate the situation and lead to further complications.

Overall, stopping the procedure and providing the necessary medical assistance prioritizes patient safety and aligns with emergency response protocols in the dental setting.