American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) Practice Exam 2026 - Free ABFM Practice Questions and Study Guide

In this scenario, the patient has developed a generalized rash after eight days of amoxicillin treatment for pharyngitis, which raises suspicion for a drug reaction, particularly an allergic response to amoxicillin. Such reactions can manifest as a rash and may be indicative of an allergy, especially after a few days of usage.

Discontinuing amoxicillin is the appropriate course of action to prevent further potential allergic reactions or exacerbation of the existing rash. It is also essential to document this reaction in the patient's medical record as a potential allergy to amoxicillin, which will inform future treatment decisions and help prevent similar reactions in the future. Identifying and noting drug allergies is a critical aspect of patient safety in pharmacotherapy.

Continuing the amoxicillin could put the patient at risk for worsening symptoms or more severe allergic reactions. Changing the diagnosis to viral exanthem or scarlet fever without proper evaluation may lead to mismanagement of the patient’s condition. Therefore, recognizing and documenting a potential allergic reaction to amoxicillin is the most responsible and clinically sound course of action in this situation.