What is the appropriate action by the nurse if a patient undergoing immunotherapy shows a large local reaction at the injection site?

The correct action when a patient undergoing immunotherapy presents with a large local reaction at the injection site is to decrease the dose of the allergen in future treatments. Large local reactions can indicate that the patient's immune system is reacting strongly to the allergen, suggesting that the current dosage may be too high for their tolerance. Adjusting the dose can help to minimize these reactions and enable the patient to continue with their immunotherapy in a safer and more comfortable manner.

Continuing with the current dose at the next appointment might risk exacerbating the local reaction, potentially leading to more severe symptoms or complications. Using a topical anesthetic may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue of the allergic response. Notifying the healthcare provider to halt immunotherapy entirely may not be necessary, especially if adjusting the dose can allow the patient to continue treatment safely. Therefore, modifying the allergen dose is a proactive approach to manage the patient's response while maintaining their treatment plan.