The nurse is caring for a client with a history of latex allergies. The client develops audible wheezing, pruritus, urticaria, and signs of angioedema. Which of the following is the priority intervention for this client?
A)Teach the client regarding use of a kit that contains treatment for allergic reactions.
B)Administer diphenhydramine (Benadryl)by mouth every 4 hours per the healthcare provider's orders.
C)Administer epinephrine 1:1000 by subcutaneous injection per the healthcare provider's orders.
D)Collect a detailed history from the client regarding the history of latex allergies.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A)For reactions with wheezing, pruritus, urticaria, and angioedema, a subcutaneous injection of 0.3-0.5 mL of 1:1000 epinephrine is generally sufficient. The nurse should give the epinephrine first due to the nature and severity of symptoms. Diphenhydramine may also be given, but it would likely be administered by injection rather than mouth due to the need for rapid drug onset. Although providing client teaching and collecting a detailed history are also important, the nurse does not have time to do these things until the client's immediate and potentially dangerous physical symptoms are addressed.
B)For reactions with wheezing, pruritus, urticaria, and angioedema, a subcutaneous injection of 0.3-0.5 mL of 1:1000 epinephrine is generally sufficient. The nurse should give the epinephrine first due to the nature and severity of symptoms. Diphenhydramine may also be given, but it would likely be administered by injection rather than mouth due to the need for rapid drug onset. Although providing client teaching and collecting a detailed history are also important, the nurse does not have time to do these things until the client's immediate and potentially dangerous physical symptoms are addressed.
C)For reactions with wheezing, pruritus, urticaria, and angioedema, a subcutaneous injection of 0.3-0.5 mL of 1:1000 epinephrine is generally sufficient. The nurse should give the epinephrine first due to the nature and severity of symptoms. Diphenhydramine may also be given, but it would likely be administered by injection rather than mouth due to the need for rapid drug onset. Although providing client teaching and collecting a detailed history are also important, the nurse does not have time to do these things until the client's immediate and potentially dangerous physical symptoms are addressed.
D)For reactions with wheezing, pruritus, urticaria, and angioedema, a subcutaneous injection of 0.3-0.5 mL of 1:1000 epinephrine is generally sufficient. The nurse should give the epinephrine first due to the nature and severity of symptoms. Diphenhydramine may also be given, but it would likely be administered by injection rather than mouth due to the need for rapid drug onset. Although providing client teaching and collecting a detailed history are also important, the nurse does not have time to do these things until the client's immediate and potentially dangerous physical symptoms are addressed.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client with a History