In obtaining a past history as part of a history of present illness (HPI), the nurse asks the client about allergies to drugs, animals, insects, and other environmental agents
In addition to this information and asking about how the reaction is treated, which is the most important allergy-related information that the nurse should inquire about?
1. The location where the reaction occurred.
2. The type of reaction that occurred with exposure.
3. Exactly how long the symptoms lasted.
4. Immediate and extended family members with the same allergy.
Correct Answer: 2
In addition to identifying the specific allergen to which the client is allergic (that is, drugs, animals, insects, environmental agents) and how the reaction is treated, the nurse should always ask about the type of reaction that occurs with exposure to the allergen. What occurs with exposure is especially important in order to be able to help identify the severity of any potential exposure as well as to obtain a better understanding of an individual's perspective of what constitutes an "allergy." For example, the implications of a client telling the nurse that he or she has an anaphylactic reaction to bee stings or to penicillin differs from the implications of a client who reports an "allergy" to mosquito bites, which become reddened and itch. The location where the reaction occurred might be helpful in discerning the potential cause of current signs and symptoms of allergies and how long the symptoms lasted (e.g., recently visiting a relative who has several cats with symptoms improving upon leaving the home), but what reaction occurs with exposure has greater importance than this information when asking about past history. Similarly, knowing that family members have the same allergy is not as critical as discerning what occurs with exposure to various allergens.
You might also like to view...
Congenital anomalies can occur with the use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), including (choose all that apply):
a. Cleft lip. b. Congenital heart disease. c. Neural tube defects. d. Gastroschisis. e. Diaphragmatic hernia.
What is the greatest benefit to the nurse of technology in the health care setting?
a. Patient acuity is reduced. b. Determination of the time of discharge of patient is aided. c. There is easy, quick access to relevant data. d. Data may be more difficult to interpret.
A client tells the nurse that his illness is a result of his failure to "live a good life." The nurse rec-ognizes this statement as an example of the client's:
1. Risk factor 2. Health belief 3. Illness behavior 4. Negative health behavior
The nurse is working with older adult clients in an extended care facility. To enhance the clients' gustatory sense, the nurse should:
1. Mix foods together 2. Assist with oral hygiene 3. Provide foods of similar texture and consistency 4. Make sure foods are extremely spicy