Nursing Diagnosis Latex Allergy response

Nursing Diagnosis Latex Allergy response an allergic response to natural latex rubber products
Related Factors:
No immune mechanism response

Nursing Outcomes
• Immune Hypersensitivity Control
• Symptom Severity
• Tissue Integrity: Skin and Mucous Membranes

Client Outcomes
• Identifies presence of latex allergy
• Lists history of risk factors
• Identifies type of reaction
• States reasons not to use or to have anyone use latex products
• Experiences a latex free environment for all health care procedures
• Avoids areas where there is powder from latex gloves
• States the importance of wearing a Medic Alert bracelet and wears one

Nursing Interventions and Rationales

Allergy Management
Latex Precautions

• Take a careful history of clients at risk: health care workers, rubber industry workers, clients with neural tube defects, atopic individuals (asthma, atopic eczema) and food allergies.
• Question the client about associated symptoms of itching, swelling, and redness after contact with rubber products, or swelling of the tongue and lips after dental examinations.
• Materials and items that contain latex must be identified, and latex free alternatives must be use.
• Five principles for management of latex-allergic clients:

1. Recognize the problem,
2. Avoid exposure to latex,
3. Inform the surgeons and operating room nurses,
4. Be prepared to treat anaphylaxis,
5. Be vigilant postoperatively and arrange follow-up care.

• Anaphylaxis from latex allergy is a medical emergency and must be treated differently than anaphylaxis from other causes must be placed in a latex-safe environment if necessary create a latex-free environment.

Home Care Interventions patient and Family Teaching

• Do not use latex products in care giving.
• Assess the home environment for presence of natural latex products.
• At onset of care, assess client history and current status of latex allergy response.
• Assist client in identifying and obtaining alternatives to latex products.
• Provide written information about latex allergy and sensitivity.
• Instruct clients to inform health care professionals if they have a latex allergy, particularly if  scheduled for surgery.
• Teach clients what products contain natural rubber latex and to avoid direct contact with all latex products and foods that trigger allergic reactions.
• If necessary Instruct client to carry an autoinjectable epinephrine syringe if at risk for anaphylactic episode.