What procedure must be followed for a patient with a history of allergies before surgery?

• A. A thorough review of allergic reactions and documentation
• B. Skip the allergy review to save time
• C. Only check for food allergies
• D. Administer allergy medication without review

Answer: (A)

A thorough review of allergic reactions and documentation is essential before surgery because it helps the surgical team identify any potential risks associated with the patient's allergies. A comprehensive review allows healthcare providers to understand the nature and severity of the allergies, which is crucial for preventing adverse reactions to medications, anesthesia, or even materials that may be used during the surgical procedure.

Documenting this information creates a clear record that can be referenced by all members of the surgical team, ensuring everyone is aware of the patient's allergies. Failure to adequately review and document allergies can lead to serious complications, including anaphylactic reactions or other severe allergic responses that could jeopardize the patient's safety during surgery.

In contrast, skipping the allergy review would compromise patient safety, while only checking for food allergies neglects other possible allergens that could pose risk during the surgery. Administering allergy medication without an appropriate review may result in missing critical information about the patient's history or understanding the potential risks involved.