CH 37

A client is scheduled to have a prick test to determine what specific allergens are creating problems for the client. What should the nurse inform the client is involved with the testing?

The skin will be scratched, and applying a small amount of the liquid test antigen to the scratch, usually on the back.

T-cell deficiency occurs when which gland fails to develop normally during embryogenesis?

Thymus

Which allergic reaction is potentially life threatening?

angioedema

The nurse knows the best strategy for latex allergy is

avoidance of latex-based products.

When evaluating a client's knowledge about use of antihistamines, what statement indicates further education is required?

"If I am pregnant, I should take half the dose."

The nurse is evaluating a client's readiness for allergy skin testing. The nurse determines that the testing will need to be postponed when it is revealed that the client took which classification of medication the night before?

Antihistamine

A client develops a facial rash and urticaria after receiving penicillin. Which laboratory value does the nurse expect to be elevated?

IgE

Which intervention is the single most important aspect for the client at risk for anaphylaxis?

Prevention

An infant is born to a mother who had no prenatal care during her pregnancy. What type of hypersensitivity reaction does the nurse understand may have occurred?

Rh-hemolytic disease

A patient with a history of allergies comes to the clinic for an evaluation. The following laboratory test findings are recorded in a patient's medical record:Total serum IgE levels: 2.8 mg/mLWhite blood cell count: 5,100/cu mmEosinophil count: 4%Erythrocyte sedimentation rate: 20 mm/hThe nurse identifies which result as suggesting an allergic reaction?

Serum IgE level

The nurse is administering intravenous vancomycin. What will the nurse initially assess the client for if an allergic reaction occurrs?

dyspnea, bronchospasm, and/or laryngeal edema

The nurse is reviewing various medications with a client that can be used to treat allergic disorders. What medication will the nurse identify as an intranasal corticosteroid?

fluticasone

The nurse is working with a client with allergies. What will the nurse use to confirm allergies and decrease the risk of anaphylaxis?

intradermal testing

The nurse is teaching a client about allergic rhinitis and its triggers. What is the most common trigger for the respiratory allergic response?

plant pollen

A client presents at the clinic with an allergic disorder. The client asks the nurse what an "allergic disorder" means. What would be the nurse's best response?

"It is a hyperimmune response to something in the environment that is usually harmless."

A patient was seen in the clinic 3 days previously for allergic rhinitis and was given a prescription for a corticosteroid nasal spray. The patient calls the clinic and tells the nurse that the nasal spray is not working. What is the best response by the nurse?

"The full benefit of the medication may take up to 2 weeks to be achieved."

The nurse tells the client that if exposure to an allergen occurs around 8:00 AM, then the client should expect a mild or moderate reaction by what time?

10 AM

A patient comes to the clinic with pruritus and nasal congestion after eating shrimp for lunch. The nurse is aware that the patient may be having an anaphylactic reaction to the shrimp. These symptoms typically occur within how many hours after exposure?

2 HRS

The nurse is administering injected allergens for "hyposensitization," which may produce harmful systemic reactions. Prior to administering these allergens, what medication should the nurse have at the bedside?

Epinephrine

A client with lupus has had antineoplastic drugs prescribed. Why would the physician prescribe antineoplastic drugs for an autoimmune disorder?

For their immunosuppressant effects

Which term refers to an incomplete antigen?

Hapten

The nurse is evaluating a client's complete blood cell count and differential along with the serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) concentration. Which result might indicate that the client has an allergic disorder?

High IgE concentration

A client has had a "stuffy nose" and obtained an oxymetazoline nasal spray. What education should the nurse provide to the client in order to prevent "rebound congestion"?

Only use the nasal spray for 3 to 4 days once every 12 hours.

A client has been having joint pain and swelling in the left foot and is diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. The symptoms began suddenly without any identifiable cause, and the client has significant joint destruction. What type of disease is this considered?

Autoimmune

The nurse is teaching a client after a medication allergic reaction has occurred. What is the most important action for the nurse to teach the client to take to prevent anaphylaxis?

Avoid potential allergens.

The nurse is preparing to administer a medication that has an affinity for H1 receptors. Which medication would the nurse administer?

Diphenhydramine

A client calls the clinic and asks the nurse if using oxymetazoline nasal spray would be alright to relieve the nasal congestion he is experiencing due to seasonal allergies. What instructions should the nurse provide to the client to avoid complications?

Do not overuse the medication as rebound congestion can occur.

When assessing the skin of a client with allergic contact dermatitis, the nurse would most likley expect to find irritation at which area?

Dorsal aspect of the hand

A patient is experiencing an allergic reaction to a dose of penicillin. What should the nurse look for in the patient's initial assessment?

Dyspnea, bronchospasm, and/or laryngeal edema.

Which body substance causes increased gastric secretion, dilation of capillaries, and constriction of the bronchial smooth muscle?

Histamine

The nurse working in an allergy clinic is preparing to administer skin testing to a client. Which route is the safest for the nurse to use to administer the solution?

Intradermal

After teaching a client how to self-administer epinephrine, the nurse determines that the teaching plan has been successful when the client demonstrates which action?

Jabs the autoinjector into the outer thigh at a 90-degree angle

A client visits the employee health department because of mild itching and a rash on both hands. What will the employee health nurse focus on during the assessment interview?

chemical and latex glove use

A patient asks the nurse if it would be all right to take an over-the-counter antihistamine for the treatment of a rash. What should the nurse educate the patient is a major side effect of antihistamines?

Sedation

A nurse is preparing a discharge teaching plan for a client with atopic dermatitis. Which instruction should the nurse include in the teaching plan?

Use a topical skin moisturizer daily.