What is the best way for the nurse to assess a preoperative patient for possible latex allergy?
While the percentage of people with latex allergy is rather low, many more are at risk due to prolonged, frequent exposure to latex. Screening potential patient latex allergy beforehand is critical, because diagnosis is still an imprecise science. How do you identify your at-risk patients? Here are five red
flags to look for.
Show 1. Occupational exposure to latex Here's the problem: It doesn't always take direct skin contact with latex to trigger a reaction in someone with heightened latex sensitivity or allergy. People may also react by inhaling latex aerosol; merely being around non-allergic workers wearing latex gloves (especially powdered ones) can be enough. When you interview patients pre-op, probe further if they tell you latex exposure is a routine part of their job. Find out if they have a history of rashes, itching, hives, and/or swelling on their hands. These may be signs of contact allergies (such as contact dermatitis or contact urticaria). Signs of potential latex aerosol reactions include patients who experience eye, nose or mouth irritation or have difficulty breathing. Even if the patient has no history of moderate or acute reactions, you may not be in the clear. Different people have different thresholds to the proteins in latex. Some patients may never experience a contact and/or aerosol reaction - until a procedure in your OR. 2.
Surgical and non-surgical procedure history You may also spot latex-sensitivity or allergy-warning signs in patients who report a history of itching, swelling or difficulty breathing after routine visits to a dentist, general practitioner, or specialist such as a gynecologist or proctologist.
3. Atopic patients Still, be suspicious of reaction risks if the patient is atopic and has a history of exposure. As with occupational risks, a person may be atopic and not develop an allergy for years, or it can manifest suddenly. 4. Food allergies 5. Latex sensitivity in daily life However, you may find warning signs of a potential latex sensitivity or allergy by asking about potentially problematic exposures they've had in their personal lives. For example, ask if they've experienced shortness of breath after inflating a balloon. Perhaps they routinely have itching or swelling after condom use. Keep in mind the aforementioned patient risk factors are just that; they predict the increased potential for a latex allergic reaction in your OR if you do not eliminate exposure. Without positive diagnostic tests, you won't know for sure, and it's unlikely the average facility will have reliable latex allergy diagnostic test results in hand. So remember - better safe than sorry. What is a pre operative assessment?At some hospitals, you'll be asked to attend a pre-operative assessment. This is an appointment with a nurse, either in person or as a video or telephone call. You'll be asked questions about your health, medical history and home circumstances.
Why does the nurse place a patient on bed rest after administering preoperative medication?CORRECT. A patient is placed on bed rest after receiving preoperative medication to ensure that he or she is not injured in a fall.
What is the primary purpose of the nursing preoperative assessment in the perioperative environment?The nursing preoperative assessment assists with defining patients' vulnerabilities or risk factors for poor surgical outcomes. If patients' vulnerabilities cannot be lessened, they need to at least be identified so they can be managed in the complexity of the perioperative environment.
How do you prepare a patient for a surgical procedure?Preparing for Surgery
Stop drinking and eating for a certain period of time before the time of surgery. Bathe or clean, and possibly shave the area to be operated on. Undergo various blood tests, X-rays, electrocardiograms, or other procedures necessary for surgery.
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