A nurse is reviewing the medical history of a client prior to medication administration and notes a history of an anaphylactic reaction to penicillin. The nurse should identify that which of the following medications is contraindicated for this client?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Vancomycin: Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic and does not share cross-reactivity with penicillin. It can be safely administered to clients with a penicillin allergy. B. Clarithromycin: Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic. It has a different chemical structure from penicillin and is not contraindicated in clients with penicillin allergies. C. Metronidazole: Metronidazole is an antibiotic used primarily for anaerobic bacterial and protozoal infections. It is unrelated to penicillin and can be given safely to clients with penicillin hypersensitivity. D. Ceftriaxone: Ceftriaxone is a cephalosporin, which is chemically related to penicillin. Clients with a history of anaphylactic reactions to penicillin have an increased risk of severe allergic reactions to cephalosporins, making ceftriaxone contraindicated in this case.