Conduct a nursing assessment to identify factors in patient's life that set up a risk for allergy to latex products. There may be occupational exposure or consumption of certain foods that patient has not thought to attribute to the symptoms he or she is experiencing.- Remove all products containing latex from patient's room to reduce risk of allergic reaction.
- Use only nonlatex products when caring for patient to reduce risk of latex allergy reaction in patient.
Make sure all personnel are aware of the risk of latex allergy and refrain from using latex products during diagnostic procedures. Communication with other health care personnel allows for continuity of care and reduces the risk of latex allergy reaction.
Educate patient and family about the risk of latex allergy to prevent allergic reaction due to contact with latex products.- Explain that although some reactions to latex are relatively minor (such as sneezing and runny nose), others are life-threatening. This will foster awareness of the serious nature of risk.
- Educate patient and family about the symptoms of allergic reaction and the need for quick treatment if symptoms appear. Rapid response to allergic reaction may help prevent complications, such as skin infection (with local reaction) and respiratory failure (with systemic reaction).
- Give patient and family a list of household items containing latex and emphasize the importance of avoiding these. Tell them about nonlatex product substitutes. Prevention is the foundation of treatment of latex allergy.
- Emphasize the need to inform all health care providers—including emergency medical service—about patient's latex sensitivity. Stress the importance of wearing a medical identification bracelet that specifies latex sensitivity to prevent future contact and allergic reactions.
Provide emotional support to help patient cope with stress. Fear of latex exposure can cause a high level of stress in a latex-sensitive patient. Some patients are afraid to seek medical help for fear of latex exposure.
Suggested NIC Interventions
Allergy Management; Environmental Management; Health System Guidance; Latex Precautions; Risk Identification; Teaching: Individual |