After administering penicillin IV, what adverse effect should the nurse prioritize monitoring for?

When administering penicillin intravenously, prioritizing the monitoring for laryngeal edema is crucial due to the potential for severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Laryngeal edema can lead to airway obstruction, which is a life-threatening situation that requires immediate intervention.

While a rash, fever, and nausea are also potential side effects of penicillin, they do not typically pose an immediate threat to the patient’s airway and overall stability in the same manner that laryngeal edema does. Thus, identifying and responding to signs of this severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or swelling in the throat, is a priority for the nurse to ensure patient safety. A proactive approach in monitoring for laryngeal edema can potentially prevent serious complications and support timely treatment.