What is a common sign of an allergic reaction that medical assistants should monitor?

A common sign of an allergic reaction is swelling or hives. This typically manifests as localized swelling in areas such as the face, lips, throat, or skin, alongside the appearance of hives, which are raised, red, itchy welts. These symptoms are a direct response to allergens and indicate the body's immune system reacting excessively to typically harmless substances. Medical assistants need to identify these signs quickly to facilitate appropriate intervention, as severe allergic reactions can progress rapidly and may require immediate medical attention, such as administering antihistamines or epinephrine for anaphylaxis.

While fever or chills, nausea or vomiting, and fatigue or lethargy may occur in various medical situations, they are not specific indicators of an allergic reaction and may relate to other conditions or medical issues. Therefore, monitoring for swelling or hives is critical in the context of allergies.