Nurse's Pocket Guide

isk for latex ALLERGY RESPONSE
Desired Outcomes/Evaluation
Criteria—Client Will:
• Identify and correct potential risk factors in the environment.
• Demonstrate appropriate lifestyle changes to reduce risk of
exposure.
• Identify resources to assist in promoting a safe environment.
• Recognize need for/seek assistance to limit response/
complications.
Actions/Interventions
NURSING PRIORITY NO.1.To assess causative/contributing factors:
• Identify persons in high-risk categories such as those with
history of certain food allergies (e.g., banana, avocado,
chestnut, kiwi, papya, peach, nectarine); asthma; skin conditions
(e.g., eczema); those occupationally exposed to
latex products (e.g., healthcare workers, police/firefighters,
emergency medical technicians [EMTs], food handlers,
hairdressers, cleaning staff, factory workers in plants that
manufacture latex-containing products); those with neural
tube defects (e.g., spina bifida); or congenital urological
conditions requiring frequent surgeries and/or catheterizations
(e.g., extrophy of the bladder). The most severe reactions
tend to occur when latex proteins contact internal
tissues during invasive procedures and when they touch
mucous membranes of the mouth, vagina, urethra, or
rectum.
• Ascertain if client could be exposed through catheters, IV
tubing, dental/other procedures in healthcare setting.
Although many healthcare facilities and providers use
latex-safe equipment, latex is present in many medical supplies
and/or in the healthcare environment, with possible
risk to client and healthcare provider.
NURSING PRIORITY NO.2.To assist in correcting factors that could
lead to latex allergy:
• Discuss necessity of avoiding/limiting latex exposure if sensitivity
is suspected.
• Recommend that client/family survey environment and
remove any medical or household products containing latex.
• Create latex-safe environments (e.g., substitute nonlatex
products, such as natural rubber gloves, PCV IV tubing, latexfree
tape, thermometers, electrodes, oxygen cannulas) to
enhance client safety by reducing exposure.
Information in brackets added by the authors to clarify and enhance
the use of nursing diagnoses.
86 Cultural Collaborative Community/Home Care