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The nurse is obtaining a health history from a patient who works as a laboratory technician and learns that the patient has a history of allergic rhinitis, asthma, and multiple food allergies. Which of the following actions is most important for the nurse to implement?
- A. Encourage the patient to carry an epinephrine kit in case a type IV allergic reaction to latex develops.
- B. Advise the patient to use oil-based hand creams to decrease contact with natural proteins in latex gloves.
- C. Document the patient's allergy history and be alert for any clinical manifestations of a type I latex allergy.
- D. Recommend that the patient use vinyl gloves instead of latex gloves in preventing bloodborne pathogen contact.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The patient's allergy history and occupation indicate a risk for development of latex allergy, and the nurse should be prepared to manage any symptoms that occur. Epinephrine is not an appropriate treatment for contact dermatitis that is caused by a type IV allergic reaction to latex. Oil-based creams will increase the exposure to latex from latex gloves. Vinyl gloves are appropriate to use when exposure to body fluids is unlikely.
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The nurse is completing an assessment and health history with a patient. Which of the following statements made by the patient should alert the nurse to a possible immunodeficiency disorder?
- A. I take one baby Aspirin every day to prevent stroke.'
- B. I usually eat eggs or meat for at least two meals a day.'
- C. I had my spleen removed many years ago after a car accident.'
- D. I had a chest x-ray 6 months ago when I had walking pneumonia.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Splenectomy increases the risk for septicemia from bacterial infections. The patient's protein intake is good and should improve immune function. Daily Aspirin use does not impact immune function. A chest x-ray does not have enough radiation to suppress immune function.
Which of the following adverse reactions should the nurse monitor when a patient is undergoing plasmapheresis?
- A. Shortness of breath
- B. High blood pressure
- C. Transfusion reactions
- D. Hypotension and paresthesia
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hypotension and paresthesia may occur as the result of plasmapheresis. Citrate is used as an anticoagulant and may cause hypocalcemia, which may manifest as headache, paresthesias, and dizziness. The other clinical manifestations are not associated with plasmapheresis.
For early detection of an anaphylactic reaction in a patient who has received allergen testing using the cutaneous scratch method, which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Check blood pressure and pulse rate.
- B. Auscultate the lung sounds bilaterally.
- C. Monitor pupil size and reaction to light.
- D. Assess the arm at the site of the skin testing.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The initial symptoms of anaphylaxis are itching and edema at the site of the exposure. Hypotension, tachycardia, dilated pupils, and wheezes occur later. Rapid administration of epinephrine when excessive itching or swelling at the skin site is observed can prevent the progression to anaphylaxis.
The nurse discusses the prevention and management of allergic reactions with a patient who is a beekeeper and has developed a hypersensitivity to bee sting. Which of the following patient statements indicates a need for additional teaching?
- A. I will plan to take oral antihistamines daily before going to work.'
- B. I will get a prescription for epinephrine and learn to self-inject it.'
- C. I should wear a Medic Alert bracelet indicating my allergy to bee stings.'
- D. I am going to need job retraining so that I can work in a different occupation.'
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Since the patient is at risk for bee stings and the severity of allergic reactions tends to increase with added exposure to allergen, taking oral antihistamines will not adequately control the patient's hypersensitivity reaction. The other patient statements indicate a good understanding of management of the problem.
The nurse is assessing a patient for possible atopic dermatitis. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse review?
- A. IgE
- B. IgA
- C. Basophils
- D. Neutrophils
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Serum IgE causes the symptoms of allergic reactions and is elevated in type 1 hypersensitivity disorders. The eosinophil level will be elevated, rather than neutrophil or basophil counts. IgA is located in body secretions and would not be tested when evaluating a patient who has symptoms of atopic dermatitis.