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Penicillin allergy assessment — GPhC CRA MCQ

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EasyInfectionsPenicillin allergy assessmentGPhC CRA

A patient prescribed flucloxacillin says penicillin caused facial swelling and breathing difficulty as a child. The infection is not severe and the prescriber has not noted allergy. What is the most appropriate action?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: C — Withhold supply and contact the prescriber for an alternative

Facial swelling and breathing difficulty suggest possible immediate hypersensitivity to penicillin. Flucloxacillin is a penicillin and should not be supplied without prescriber review. The other options either delay appropriate care, use an unsuitable medicine, or miss the main safety issue.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS