Before surgery, a client reports a previous anaphylactic reaction to natural rubber latex. Which action should the nurse take first?
1Flag the allergy and notify the perioperative team to avoid natural rubber latex✓ Correct answer
2Continue the standard setup because powder-free latex cannot trigger anaphylaxis
3Wait until the client reaches the operating room before informing surgical staff
4Ask the family to bring gloves from home for the surgery
Explanation
Prior latex anaphylaxis requires early identification and a natural-rubber-latex-safe perioperative environment. The nurse should flag the allergy and notify the team before exposure so gloves, catheters, packaging, and other equipment can be checked and safer alternatives selected.
Quick answer Flag the severe latex allergy and notify the perioperative team before setup. Prevention must occur before the client contacts natural rubber latex.
Why this is correct Natural rubber latex proteins can trigger rapid anaphylaxis in a sensitized person. Early communication allows the team to examine glove, catheter, medication-container, and equipment materials and select products that were not made with natural rubber latex.
Easy analogy or mental picture The allergy alert is like closing a hazardous road before the client enters it. The route is changed before exposure, but the analogy does not guarantee that every product labeled with informal terms is completely free of allergenic material.
Memory hook Previous latex anaphylaxis means alert early, check every product, and prevent exposure before surgery.
NCLEX decision rule For a history of immediate severe latex reaction, identify the allergy prominently and coordinate a natural-rubber-latex-safe environment before procedures. Do not wait for symptoms or assume powder-free latex is safe.
Why the other choices are wrong Powder-free natural rubber latex can still contain allergenic proteins. Delayed notification risks exposure during setup, and unverified home supplies do not meet perioperative safety controls.
References
[1]
NCSBN: 2026 NCLEX-RN Test PlanNational Council of State Boards of Nursing
[2]
FDA: Medical Gloves and Natural Rubber Latex AllergyU.S. Food and Drug Administration