The nurse is educating a client recently diagnosed with anaphylactic allergy to latex. Which statement made by the client indicates that the client understood the condition correctly?
A)"I do not need to worry about my allergy when I am outside of a health care environment."
B)"I just need to check labels to ensure products do not contain latex and I will be fine."
C)"I should always carry my Epi-pen in case I have difficulty breathing."
D)"I should take better care of myself and eat healthy foods like bananas and chestnuts."

Question

The nurse is educating a client recently diagnosed with anaphylactic allergy to latex.  Which statement made by the client indicates that the client understood the condition correctly?
A)"I do not need to worry about my allergy when I am outside of a health care environment."
B)"I just need to check labels to ensure products do not contain latex and I will be fine."
C)"I should always carry my Epi-pen in case I have difficulty breathing."
D)"I should take better care of myself and eat healthy foods like bananas and chestnuts."

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Anaphylactic shock is a medical emergency and the most severe form of an allergic reaction. Hives, itching, or a skin rash may or may not appear before rapid swelling of the mouth and throat (angioedema) makes breathing difficult or impossible within a span of minutes. Quick application of an epinephrine auto-injector (Epi-pen) into the thighis the only acceptable option for treating anaphylactic shock. The intramuscular adrenaline injection immediately counteracts the life-threatening swelling, hypotension, and vasodilation that characterize anaphylaxis. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is also given to treat any associated rash or itching (hives, wheals, urticaria) but is not sufficient as a monotherapy. (Option A) Latex products are everywhere. Clients and staff members should be educated and reminded about exposure to plastic products, condoms, and all other medical products containing latex. (Option B) Numerous products may contain trace amounts of latex; this crucial information may be omitted on the labels. (Option D) Bananas, avocados, chestnuts, and kiwifruit have been classified as having high-risk potential for cross-reaction allergy development. Clients should be advised to watch for potential allergic reactions due to a cross-allergen. Educational objective: Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency, and any client with a history of severe allergic reaction (sudden blotchy skin rash or swelling of the lips and mouth) should always carry an EpiPen. Epinephrine injection is the only option for treating anaphylaxis.

The Nurse Is Educating a Client Recently Diagnosed with Anaphylactic