If a patient is allergic to penicillin, what is the appropriate next step when the medication is ordered?

When a patient has a known allergy to penicillin, the most appropriate next step is to mention this to the doctor and ask for an alternative. This ensures that the patient's safety is prioritized and that they do not receive a medication that could cause an allergic reaction.

Communicating the allergy to the prescribing physician allows for a collaborative approach to patient care, where the doctor can consider alternatives that are safe for the patient. The physician has the expertise to determine appropriate substitutes that can effectively treat the patient's condition while avoiding the risk associated with the allergy.

This course of action protects the patient from potential harm and reinforces the importance of accurate medical communication among healthcare providers. It highlights the critical role that scribes and other healthcare team members play in ensuring patient safety through proper documentation and communication regarding allergies.