Final answer:
The most important nursing intervention for latex allergies is to assess for allergies and use latex-free products. Antihistamines and other allergy medications should be avoided before allergy testing, and treatments focus on avoidance and symptom management.
Step-by-step explanation:
The priority nursing intervention to prevent patient problems associated with latex allergies is b. Assess the patient's allergy history and provide latex-free alternatives. When caring for patients with potential or known latex allergies, it is critical to prevent exposure to latex products to avoid allergic reactions. Nurses should assess each patient's allergy history carefully. If a latex allergy is confirmed or suspected, nurses must use latex-free gloves and supplies to avoid triggering a reaction. Exposure to latex for individuals with latex allergies can result in reactions ranging from skin irritation, such as contact dermatitis, to more severe responses like anaphylaxis.
Patients should avoid allergy medications like antihistamines before conducting allergy tests, such as skin testing for common allergens, as these medications can prevent accurate detection of allergies by temporarily stopping the body's reaction to allergens. Treatment of hypersensitivities like latex allergies typically involves avoidance of the allergen, administration of antihistamines to alleviate symptoms if exposure occurs, and possibly desensitization therapy.