A school nurse is teaching a group of guardians about measures to prevent firearm injuries in the home. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. Dishwashing gloves: Many dishwashing gloves are made with latex, which can trigger allergic reactions ranging from skin irritation to anaphylaxis. Clients with latex allergy should use latex-free alternatives such as vinyl or nitrile gloves.

B. Adhesive tape: Many types of adhesive tape contain latex, particularly the elastic bands used in some medical and household tapes. The nurse should advise the client to use latex-free alternatives, which are widely available, especially in medical supply stores.

C. Macadamia nuts: Latex allergy is associated with cross-reactivity to certain fruits such as bananas, kiwis, and avocados, but not macadamia nuts. Nuts are not typically part of the latex–fruit syndrome group.

D. Bananas: Bananas share similar proteins with natural rubber latex and can cause cross-reactive allergic responses. Individuals with latex allergy are often advised to avoid bananas due to this risk.

E. Rubber bands: Rubber bands are commonly made from natural rubber latex and pose a high risk for allergic reactions. Clients with latex allergy should avoid handling rubber bands or use synthetic substitutes.

A. Use a reflex hammer: Clonus is assessed by using a reflex hammer to test deep tendon reflexes, typically at the ankle joint. Sustained rhythmic contractions following dorsiflexion of the foot confirm the presence of clonus, which often indicates upper motor neuron dysfunction.

B. Administer magnesium sulfate: Magnesium sulfate is a treatment used in conditions such as preeclampsia with severe features but is not a method of assessment. Medication administration would come after clonus has been identified, not during the diagnostic step.

C. Perform a Romberg test: The Romberg test assesses balance and proprioception, often used in neurological exams for cerebellar or sensory dysfunction. It does not evaluate for clonus, which specifically relates to abnormal reflex activity.

D. Test the gait for symmetry: Gait assessment provides information about coordination, strength, and balance. While it may reveal neurologic impairment, it does not directly test for clonus or identify the rhythmic contractions associated with it.