[Allergy to latex in surgical ward. Nurses' operational protocol]

Area of Science:

• Healthcare protocols
• Patient safety
• Allergy management

Background:

• Latex allergies pose significant risks in healthcare settings, particularly during surgical procedures.
• Existing protocols may not adequately address the comprehensive management of latex-allergic patients across all hospital areas.
• Identification of latex-containing items is crucial for preventing allergic reactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a nurse operational protocol for managing patients with latex allergies in surgical wards.
• To extend this protocol for integral treatment of latex-allergic patients throughout the hospital.
• To analyze products, instruments, and materials that may contain latex.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and analysis of common healthcare products, instruments, and materials.
• Development of a standardized operational protocol for nursing staff.
• Proposed extension of the protocol to all hospital patient care areas.

Main Results:

• Identification of numerous common surgical and patient care items that contain or may contain latex.
• A framework for a comprehensive nursing protocol to manage latex allergy.
• Highlighting the need for hospital-wide implementation of latex-safe practices.

Conclusions:

• A standardized nursing protocol is essential for effectively managing latex allergies in surgical and other hospital settings.
• Systematic identification and management of latex-containing materials are key to patient safety.
• The proposed protocol aims to provide integral care for latex-allergic patients across the entire hospital.