Question

A nurse in a surgical suite notes documentation on a client's medical record he has a latex allergy. In preparation for the client's procedure, which of the following precautions should the nurse take?

Option 1: Use latex gloves during the procedure
Option 2: Notify the surgeon about the latex allergy
Option 3: Apply a latex-based dressing post-procedure
Option 4: Minimize handwashing to reduce latex exposure

Answer 1

The nurse should notify the surgeon about the latex allergy and use latex-free gloves during the procedure to minimize the client's risk of an allergic reaction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse in the surgical suite should take the following precautions for a client with a latex allergy:

1. Option 2: Notify the surgeon about the latex allergy. It is important to inform the surgeon about the client's allergy so that appropriate measures can be taken during the procedure.
2. Option 4: Minimize handwashing to reduce latex exposure. Handwashing should not be minimized, as it is crucial for infection control. However, it is important for the nurse to use latex-free gloves during the procedure to avoid triggering an allergic reaction in the client.