What should be avoided when handling patients with a latex allergy?

What should be avoided when handling patients with a latex allergy?

• A. Using latex-free creams
• B. Using hand creams or lotions
• C. Wearing protective gear
• D. Informing the surgical team

Answer: (B)

Using hand creams or lotions should be avoided when handling patients with a latex allergy because many commercial hand creams and lotions may contain latex or latex-derived ingredients, which can pose a risk to patients with such allergies. The primary concern is that any residual latex in the product can come into contact with the patient and cause an allergic reaction. Maintaining a latex-free environment is crucial for patient safety, so any product applied to a healthcare professional's hands must be thoroughly checked to ensure it is free of latex. In this context, the other choices can be seen as safe practices. For instance, using latex-free creams is appropriate for preventing potential allergic reactions. Wearing protective gear is essential to safeguard both the healthcare provider and the patient, particularly in instances where contact with bodily fluids may occur. Informing the surgical team ensures that all personnel are aware of the patient’s allergy, allowing them to implement appropriate measures to prevent exposure to latex.

Using hand creams or lotions should be avoided when handling patients with a latex allergy because many commercial hand creams and lotions may contain latex or latex-derived ingredients, which can pose a risk to patients with such allergies. The primary concern is that any residual latex in the product can come into contact with the patient and cause an allergic reaction. Maintaining a latex-free environment is crucial for patient safety, so any product applied to a healthcare professional's hands must be thoroughly checked to ensure it is free of latex.

In this context, the other choices can be seen as safe practices. For instance, using latex-free creams is appropriate for preventing potential allergic reactions. Wearing protective gear is essential to safeguard both the healthcare provider and the patient, particularly in instances where contact with bodily fluids may occur. Informing the surgical team ensures that all personnel are aware of the patient’s allergy, allowing them to implement appropriate measures to prevent exposure to latex.