Before administering botulinum antitoxin to a patient in the emergency department, it is most important for the nurse to
a. obtain the patient's temperature.
b. administer an intradermal test dose.
c. document the neurologic symptoms.
d. ask the patient about an allergy to eggs.
ANS: B
To assess for possible allergic reactions, an intradermal test dose of the antitoxin should be administered. Although temperature, allergy history, and symptom assessment and documentation are appropriate, these assessments will not affect the decision to administer the antitoxin.
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