Question

The nurse is preparing teaching materials for the parents of a‚Äã 7-year-old child newly diagnosed with a severe allergy to dust. What should the nurse include in this teaching?

1) Avoid exposure to all animals and pets.
2) Ensure all rooms in the home are carpeted.
3) Place plants on high shelves in the home.
4) Remove stuffed toys from the home.

Answer 1

The nurse should include instructions to remove stuffed toys from the home and avoid carpeting, as these measures can help minimize dust and allergen accumulation for a child with a severe dust allergy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse is preparing teaching materials for the parents of a 7-year-old child newly diagnosed with a severe allergy to dust. The teaching should include ways to reduce allergen exposure in the home. One effective strategy is to remove stuffed toys from the home, as they can harbor dust mites. The nurse should also suggest avoiding carpeting because it can trap allergens; instead, using smooth flooring that is easy to clean can help minimize dust accumulation. It is less relevant to place plants on high shelves or to avoid all animals unless the child has a known allergy to them. Keeping the home clean, ensuring air conditioning systems are well maintained, and avoiding known allergens such as pet dander, dust mites, and mold are key in managing dust allergies.