If a client has a history of upset stomach from doxycycline, what should the nurse's first action be?

In the situation where a client has a history of an upset stomach from doxycycline, the most appropriate initial action is to administer the drug as ordered and include a small snack. This approach helps mitigate gastrointestinal irritation, which is a common side effect of doxycycline. Taking the medication with food can help buffer the stomach lining and reduce the likelihood of an upset stomach, making the treatment more tolerable for the client.

It's important for the nurse to balance effective medication administration with the client's comfort. By choosing to include a small snack, the nurse is proactively addressing potential side effects while still adhering to the prescribed treatment plan. Additionally, some medications are better absorbed when taken with food, potentially enhancing their efficacy and the client's compliance with the regimen.

The other options focus on responses that may not be as immediately beneficial in addressing the client's discomfort. For instance, administering the drug with just a full glass of water may not sufficiently alleviate the stomach upset. Documenting an allergic reaction, if applicable, is important but is not the first step to address the immediate concern of the client's history with upset stomach. Considering an alternative antibiotic immediately may not be necessary unless the client has a significant adverse reaction or contraindication, as the nurse can often find ways to make doxycycline more