A client who is scheduled for surgery in a week tells the nurse doing the preoperative assessment about an allergy to bananas, kiwifruit, and latex products. Which action is most important for the nurse to take?
Select one:
Alert the surgery center about the latex allergy.
Notify the dietitian about the food allergies.
Ask whether the patient uses antihistamines to reduce allergic reactions,
Reassure the patient that all allergies are noted on the medical record.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Clients with allergies to bananas, kiwifruit, avocados, and chestnuts are at higher risk for latex allergies due to cross-reactivity. Latex is commonly used in surgical gloves and equipment. Immediate notification of the surgery center allows them to use latex-free supplies and equipment, which is critical for preventing a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction.
B. While food allergies are important, they are not the priority in this surgical context. Preventing exposure to latex during surgery is more urgent and potentially life-saving.
C. This is not the priority action. While antihistamines may help manage minor allergies, latex exposure can cause anaphylaxis, which antihistamines cannot prevent.
D. Reassurance is important, but the critical action is to ensure the surgical team is aware and prepared, not just documentation.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate removes potassium via the GI tract, but acts slowly and is not used for severe or emergency hyperkalemia.
B. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can help excrete potassium if kidney function allows, but it is not reliable in acute renal failure.
C. Calcium gluconate is used to stabilize the cardiac membrane, not to lower potassium levels. It prevents arrhythmias but doesn't remove potassium.
D. A combination of dextrose and regular insulin IV is commonly used in emergencies. Insulin drives potassium into the cells, rapidly lowering serum potassium levels, and dextrose prevents hypoglycemia from insulin administration.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While weight is important for overall nutritional monitoring, it is not directly related to the safety of resuming oral intake.
B. Before initiating any oral intake, especially in a patient who has been NPO, it is critical to assess for a functioning swallow reflex to prevent aspiration.
C. Appetite does not ensure that the patient can safely swallow or tolerate oral intake.
D. Vital signs are important but do not determine swallowing safety or aspiration risk.
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