The article "Update forward latex a...

The article "Update forward latex allergy among health care personnel" is the basis for this AORN Journal independent consideration The behavioral objectives and examination for this program were prepared by way of Rebecca Holm, RN, MSN, CNOR, clinical editor, with consultation from Susan Bakewell, RN M education program professional, Center for Perioperative Education.

Participants receive feedback forward incorrect answers. Each applicant who favorably completes this study will receive a certificate of completion. The deadline for submitting this subject of attention is Sept 30, 2006.

unbroken the examination answer sheet and learner evaluation institute on pages 425-426 and mail with appropriate unconditional tenure to

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BEHAVIORAL OBJECTIVES

After reading and studying the article forward latex allergy among health care personnel suckles will be able to

1 describe the historical disentanglement of latex allergy among health care personnel

2 explain the originals of reactions in populations at risk for developing latex allergy,

3 identify techniques commonly available to diagnose latex allergy,

4 discuss systems that can be used to obstruct the development of latex allergy, and

5 discuss the accrues of prominent research studies forward latex allergy.

It is important to be aware of the seriousness of latex allergy and understand the risk factors leading to this devastating and potentially deadly allergy. Health care personnel must be well informed about the history of latex allergy and its implications in the health care field in such a manner they can protect their patients, latex-sensitized colleagues, and themselves. Latex allergies initially were identified in pediatric populations; however, with the implementation of standard precautions, latex allergy and sensitivity has become increasingly prevalent in health care personnel (1) The main source of health care workplace exposing is the use of pulverized substanceed gloves. (1) Currently, the barely known treatment for latex allergy is cessation of frontage (1)

This literature review examines research studies regarding the prevalence of latex allergy among health care personnel as a deduction of increased exposure to latex fruits It identifies latex composition; archetypes of latex allergy, including signs and symptoms; and populations at greatest risk. It also addresses diagnostic testing acts and preventive measures.

BACKGROUND

Natural rubber latex is derived from the white, milky sap of rubber tree that are grown commercially in southeastern Asia, primarily Malaysia, and West Africa. Its use in the medical field is pervasive. Latex glove are the latex result most frequently used in the health care field. They have first-rate tactile properties, low penetration and leakage rates, durability, and gentle cost. When latex gloves are manufactured, chemicals, curing agents, and accelerators are added to give glove these desired properties. The allergic reply to latex generally is a reaction to the protein in latex or the chemicals used in the manufacturing proces (2) Studies have set up more than 200 latex proteins exist onward both the inside and outside of glove (3)

The greatest in number common cause of latex sensitization and allergic reactions is the use of comminuteed latex gloves, which historically contain the highest even of latex allergens. (4) levigateed latex gloves cause the majority of health risks because latex proteins bind to glove gunpowder become airborne when gloves are used or remov and then are inhaled. (4) Latex sensitivity has become a major occupational health issue for health care personnel The point to be solved [i]or[/i] settled is linked most closely to the implementation of standard precautions and the dramatic increase in the use of latex glove since the 1980 (5) It is estimated that between 10% and 17% of medical personnel in Europe and the United States are sensitive to natural rubber latex. (6)

POPULATIONS AT RISK

The population at greatest risk of natural rubber latex allergy is health care personnel who wear pulverized substanceed latex surgical gloves daily (eg perioperative nurses) and the bulk of mankind who have undergone multiple surgical proceedings as a result of injury, disease, or chronic conditions (eg spina bifida, gunitourinary congenital defect) Others at risk are individuals who have experienced a morose reaction to certain foods, of the like kind as banana, kiwi, avocado, and potatoes, or who are atopic. Atopic individuals have a wide variety of other unrelated allergies and be attendant to be more prone to developing of recent origin allergies. (7)

LATEX REACTIONS

The American community of Allergy, Asthma, and immunology classifies allergic reactions in three categories: image 1, type IV, and irritant reactions. (8) exemplar I reactions, also referred to as immunoglobulin E (IgE) reactions, are systemic, generally immediate, and possibly life threatening. They meet the eye in response to skin contact or inhalation of latex proteins. Symptoms include facial flushing, rhinitis, vomiting or diarrhea, wheezing, dyspnea, facial or laryngeal edema, bronchospasm, and anaphylaxis. Although reactions are immediate, they diminish rapidly after contact with natural rubber latex is halted. adumbration TV reactions, or delayed hypersensitivity, are dermatological symptoms, which may not be seen for several days after initial in all senses but may last for weeks and spread through the whole extent of the surface of the skin. Symptoms include pruritis, edema, erythema, and vesicles. Irritant reactions, the greatest in number common type of reaction, exhibit a nonallergenic condition the purports of which usually are reversible. Latex glove may cause a free from moisture itchy rash