Ch. 37: Assessment and Management of Patients with Allergic Disorders

A 5-year-old boy has been diagnosed with a severe food allergy. What is an important parameter to address when educating the parents of this child about his allergy and care? A) Wear a medical identification bracelet. B) Know how to use the antihistamine pen. C) Know how to give injections of lidocaine. D) Avoid live attenuated vaccinations - Ans: A Feedback: The nurse also advises the patient to wear a medical identification bracelet or to carry emergency equipment at all times. Patients and their families do not carry antihistamine pens, they carry epinephrine pens. Lidocaine is not self-administered to treat allergies. The patient may safely be vaccinated. A child has been diagnosed with a severe walnut allergy after suffering an anaphylactic reaction. What is a priority for health education? A) The need to begin immunotherapy as soon as possible B) The need for the parents to carry an epinephrine pen C) The need to vigilantly maintain the child's immunization status D) The need for the child to avoid all foods that have a high potential for allergies - Ans: B Feedback: All patients with food allergies, especially seafood and nuts, should have an EpiPen device prescribed. The child does not necessarily need to avoid all common food allergens. Immunotherapy is not indicated in the treatment of childhood food allergies. Immunizations are important, but do not address food allergies