Question

The nurse in an allergist's office is instructed to prepare a client for allergy skin testing. Which action is essential for the nurse to perform for the testing procedure?

A. Administer oral antihistamines one hour prior to testing.
B. Draw a diagram on the client's back with a duplicate on paper.
C. Validate the client has avoided exposure to suspected allergens.
D. Review the client's medical history involving events of anaphylaxis.

Answer 1

The nurse must ensure the client has avoided exposure to suspected allergens and has not taken any antihistamines before allergy skin testing to get accurate results. Reviewing the client's history of anaphylaxis is also key for safety during the test.

Step-by-step explanation:

The essential action the nurse must perform prior to allergy skin testing is validating that the client has avoided exposure to suspected allergens. It is crucial to ensure that oral antihistamines and other allergy medications are discontued for a period before testing, as these can interfere with the results. Antihistamines block the allergic reaction, including the wheal and flare response that is the key indicator in skin testing for common allergens. A thorough review of the client's medical history, especially concerning any anaphylactic events, is also important for safety considerations during the test.

During the allergy skin testing, a positive result is identified by a wheal and flare response, which occurs due to the release of histamine and other mediators from the blood vessels in the skin. It is notable that for patients undergoing desensitization therapy, a similar process is employed where increasing amounts of allergens are injected to help the immune system build up a tolerance.