A nurse is preparing a client for fluorescein angiography to evaluate retinal blood vessels. Which instruction should the nurse provide to the client before the procedure?

Fluorescein angiography involves IV dye injection, which can cause allergic reactions. Assessing for allergies, especially to iodine or shellfish, is critical to prevent adverse events like anaphylaxis. Other instructions are less priority for safety.

Core Nursing Explanation Key Concept Analysis: This question assesses your knowledge of pre-procedure patient education and safety for a fluorescein angiography. This is a diagnostic test where a fluorescent dye (sodium fluorescein) is injected intravenously (IV) to visualize the blood vessels in the retina. The core nursing priority is always Key Point! patient safety and prevention of adverse reactions, particularly allergic reactions to the dye.

Answer Rationale: The correct answer is option 4. Sodium fluorescein dye, while not an iodine-based contrast agent used in other imaging (like CT scans), can still cause severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. A history of allergies, especially to iodine, shellfish, or other contrast media, is a critical risk factor that must be reported. The nurse's role is to ensure this information is communicated to the healthcare provider before the dye is administered. This is a fundamental safety check in the nursing process.

Distractor Analysis: Watch out for confusion! Option 1: While removing metal objects is standard for procedures like MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), it is not typically required for fluorescein angiography, which uses a camera, not a magnetic field.
Option 2: Fasting is not a standard requirement for this procedure. The patient may be advised to eat a light meal to prevent nausea, which is a common side effect of the dye.
Option 3: Discontinuing all medications is incorrect and potentially dangerous. Patients should be instructed to take their usual medications unless specifically directed otherwise by their provider. The nurse should verify which, if any, medications need to be held.

Related Concepts: This question ties into broader themes of diagnostic testing nursing responsibilities: obtaining informed consent, assessing for contraindications (allergies, renal function for some dyes), monitoring for side effects (nausea, vomiting, urticaria, anaphylaxis), and providing post-procedure education (e.g., urine and skin may turn yellow-orange temporarily). Concept Summary

Concept	Key Points
Fluorescein Angiography	Ophthalmic diagnostic test. IV injection of fluorescent dye to assess retinal circulation. Used for conditions like diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration.
Nursing Priority	Assess for dye allergy. Monitor for allergic reaction during/after injection. Educate on temporary side effects (yellow skin/urine, nausea).
Contrast Media Safety	Always ask about allergies (iodine, shellfish, previous contrast reactions). Have emergency equipment (epinephrine, antihistamines) available.
Patient Education	No fasting typically needed. Take usual medications unless instructed. Report itching, difficulty breathing, swelling immediately.

Side-by-Side Comparison!

Procedure	Contrast Agent	Key Pre-Procedure Nursing Action	Common Side Effect
Fluorescein Angiography	Sodium Fluorescein (non-iodinated)	Assess for any allergies. Educate on temporary discoloration.	Nausea, vomiting; yellow skin/urine.
CT Scan with Contrast	Iodinated Contrast Media	Assess for iodine/shellfish allergy and renal function (creatinine/BUN).	Warm flushing sensation, metallic taste.
MRI with Contrast	Gadolinium-based	Assess for allergy and renal function (risk of NSF). Remove all metal.	Headache, nausea.

Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology Points The retina has a dual blood supply: the central retinal artery (inner layers) and the choroid (outer layers). The dye highlights leaks, blockages, and abnormal vessel growth. Sodium fluorescein is excreted unchanged by the kidneys, causing the characteristic yellow-orange discoloration of urine. Memory Tips F.A.S.T. for Fluorescein:
Find out about Allergies.
Skin and urine turn yellow (Side effect).
Take meds as usual (Typically no hold). High-Frequency NCLEX Topics Patient safety before diagnostic procedures is a High Yield topic. The NCLEX loves to test: 1) Identifying the priority action (assessment always comes first!), 2) Differentiating necessary from unnecessary instructions, and 3) Recognizing signs of an allergic/anaphylactic reaction. Watch Out for Question Variations! The same concept can be tested differently:
• "Which client statement indicates understanding of pre-procedure teaching for fluorescein angiography?" Correct answer: "I need to tell the nurse if I'm allergic to shellfish."
• "The client develops urticaria and wheezing 2 minutes after dye injection. What is the nurse's priority action?" Correct answer: Stop the infusion and administer epinephrine per protocol (ABCs – Airway!).
• "Which finding should the nurse report to the provider BEFORE a fluorescein angiography?" Correct answer: Client history of anaphylaxis to IV contrast.

Nursing Clinical Practice Guide Clinical Scenario: Mr. Johnson, a 68-year-old with type 2 diabetes, is in the ophthalmology clinic for a fluorescein angiography to evaluate progression of his diabetic retinopathy. He mentions he had "a bad reaction to a CT scan dye years ago."

Nursing Intervention Strategy: 1. Assessment: Immediately clarify the nature of his previous reaction (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing?). Document precisely. Assess current medications and vital signs. 2. Action: This is a Key Point! STOP moment. Do not proceed with routine prep. Inform the ophthalmologist and the nurse administering the dye immediately. The provider may decide to pre-medicate with antihistamines/corticosteroids or choose an alternative test. 3. Patient Education: Explain why his allergy history is crucial. Reassure him that the team will take all precautions. Educate him on what to expect during the procedure (bright flashes, possible nausea) and after (yellow urine). 4. Evaluation: After the procedure (if performed with precautions), monitor him closely for at least 30 minutes for any delayed reaction.

Patient Safety and Precautions: Always have emergency equipment (code cart with epinephrine, albuterol, oxygen) accessible in any area where IV contrast or dyes are administered. Know your facility's protocol for managing contrast reactions. Nursing Procedure & Medication Flow Pre-Procedure: Verify consent. Establish IV access. Confirm allergy history with the patient again immediately before dye injection. This is a "time-out" safety step.
During Injection: The dye is injected rapidly via IV push. Stay with the patient. Observe for immediate reaction: facial flushing, itching, hives, respiratory distress.
Post-Procedure: Monitor vital signs. Encourage fluids to help excrete the dye. Educate: "Your urine may be bright yellow or orange for 24-48 hours. This is normal. Your skin may also have a slight yellow tint that will fade." A Word from Your Senior Nurse "Never underestimate the power of asking about allergies. It's a simple question that prevents catastrophic events. In the real world, patients often forget or don't think a 'little rash' is important. It's our job to dig deeper. When you see 'fluorescein,' 'contrast,' or 'dye' in a question, your mental alarm bell should ring 'ALLERGY ASSESSMENT!' This mindset protects your patient on the NCLEX and at the bedside."