Dr. Denise Korniewicz and Dr. Kevin Kelly will present a Latex Allergy and Barrier Integrity seminar on Thursday for attending members of AORN.
Dr. Korniewicz is Assistant Dean of Nursing at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. She is a known authority on barrier issues. Dr. Kelly is a leading clinician and researcher specializing in diagnosis of latex allergy in both pediatrics and health care professionals.
Nursing responsibility in the care of the latex sensitive patient
- Assess patient for latex sensitivity
- Identify with an allergy bracelet patients allergic to latex
- Notify anesthesia personnel so that appropriate equipment can be gathered and pre-surgical prophylaxis (if necessary) can be initiated
- Remove all latex gloves from the patient's room and immediate holding area
- Ensure that all personnel in contact with the patient are aware of the latex precaution and what can be done
- Obtain the list of non-latex alternatives and prepare ahead for the patient's needs
- Schedule the patient as the first case of the day
- Mark the patient's theater trolley and the theater doors for latex allergy
- Avoid contact with all latex products during perioperative care:
- use synthetic examination gloves in the patient's room
- prepare the extremity that will be used to monitor blood pressure with a cotton dressing to minimize exposure to the latex tubing
- use a stopcock rather than rubber ports to administer intravenous medication
- remove rubber stoppers used to draw up medications
- use non-latex catheter equipment
- The scrub nurse should maintain a latex-free environment throughout the procedure
- Communication with the postanaesthesia staff prior to the patient's arrival is essential to maintain the latex-free environment
Latex Screening At AORN
Following latex allergy screening studies performed at the 1993 EuroSurgery Conference and the NATN (National Association of Theater Nurses) meeting, both held in the UK. Dr. Kristiina Turjanmaa, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere Finland, and staff from Tulane Medical College will screen volunteers from the
AORN National Conference in New Orleans in March 1994.
Permission has been granted by the AORN Board of Directors to include members of AORN. The purposes of the study are to learn more of the epidemiology of this growing problem and to educate
operating room nurses in the recognition of both types of latex allergies (Type I and Type IV) which may affect their patients, themselves and their colleagues.
The process of testing requires only about 20 minutes of the volunteer's time for completion of the necessary, but short, history forms, informed consent and skin prick testing. Results will be read approximately 15 minutes after the testing has been completed. Those found to be latex allergic will receive counseling by attending physicians.
The Ansell Cares Skin Prick Testing Laboratory will be located in the scientific section of the exhibit area.
