When considering patients at risk for latex allergies which patient presents the highest risk?
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Content disclaimerContent on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Natural rubber latex (NRL) is a milky fluid obtained from the Hevea brasiliensis tree, which is widely grown in south-east Asia. As with many other natural products, NRL contains proteins to which some individuals may develop an allergy. HSE has a specific Skin at work website - providing information on how to prevent work-related skin diseases in your workplace – where you can get further help if you need it. The microsite contains further guidance on latex allergies and specific guidance on selecting latex gloves. Latex in health and social careNRL can be found in many products used in health and social care. It has been extensively used in the manufacture of medical gloves (non-sterile examination gloves, surgical gloves) because it is a very durable and flexible material giving wearers a high degree of dexterity, sensitivity and microbiological protection. It is also used in a range of medical devices. As the use of such products has increased, particularly of single-use latex gloves in infection control, NRL allergy and sensitisation has been identified as a problem. What is the problem?Natural rubber latex proteins have the potential to cause asthma and dermatitis. Although rare, more serious allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis are also possible. The amount of latex exposure needed to induce sensitisation is unknown. A substance which causes sensitisation can also cause an allergic reaction in certain people. Once sensitisation has taken place, further exposure to the substance, even to low levels, may cause a reaction. Increasing the exposure to latex proteins increases the risk of inducing a sensitised state and triggering allergic symptoms. NRL proteins can cause type I (immediate) hypersensitivity. In addition, the products manufactured using NRL proteins contain other chemicals that can cause irritant reactions and/or type IV (delayed) hypersensitivity reactions. Typical skin and respiratory problems associated with the use of NRL single-use gloves are:
Natural rubber latex in healthcare products Single-use disposable gloves. The use of gloves as part of infection control within healthcare rose exponentially during the 1990s. There are a number of different types of gloves available. All single-use latex gloves may present a particular risk of latex allergies but the risk is reduced in gloves with lower levels of
latex proteins. Other medical products. NRL is not only contained within single-use disposable gloves, but can also be found in a number of medical products, such as catheters, elasticised bandages, wound dressings etc. It is also in the packaging for a number of medical products. While these may pose a low risk of sensitisation, they can pose a significant risk (eg anaphylactic shock) to sensitised individuals, either patients or healthcare workers. The majority of healthcare products containing NRL are 'medical devices' as defined by the Medical Devices Regulations 1999. Therefore, their manufacture and provision are regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Recent researchIn 2008, the NHS Plus Occupational Health Clinical Effectiveness Unit, in association with the Royal College of Physicians, produced evidence based guidelines for the occupational aspects of latex allergy management. These guidelines address the likely level of risk from single-use latex gloves and have made a number of recommendations:
The evidence and conclusions from the NHS Plus Occupational Health Clinical Effectiveness Unit report provide reassurance that:
Latex glove useEmployers should carefully consider the risks when selecting gloves for use in the health and social care sector. HSE has provided specific guidance on selecting latex gloves and recommends following HSE's glove selection guidance when considering glove use in the workplace (latex or otherwise), Further informationThis section provides useful links to sources of guidance, research and information on the management of dermatitis in the health and social care sector.
Which of the following is a problem related to latex gloves?The most common reaction to latex products is irritant contact dermatitis– the development of dry, itchy, irritated areas on the skin, usually the hands. This reaction is caused by irritation from wearing gloves and by exposure to the powders added to them. Irritant contact dermatitis is not a true allergy.
What is the best way for the nurse to assess a pre operative patient for possible latex allergy?What is the best way for the nurse to assess a preoperative patient for possible latex allergy? Review the medical record for documentation of a latex allergy. Ask the family whether the patient has ever had a reaction to latex.
Why does the nurse place a patient on bed rest after administering preoperative medication?CORRECT. A patient is placed on bed rest after receiving preoperative medication to ensure that he or she is not injured in a fall.
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