Question

The client is scheduled to have an intravenous cholangiogram. Before the procedure, the nurse should assess the patient for: A. Shellfish allergies B. Reactions to blood transfusions C. Gallbladder disease D. Egg allergies

Short answer

Answer: Shellfish allergies.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Intravenous Cholangiogram

An intravenous cholangiogram is a medical imaging procedure used to visualize the bile ducts and detect any blockages or abnormalities. It involves injecting a contrast dye into the patient's vein, which then travels to the liver and subsequently to the bile ducts, allowing them to be visible on X-ray images.

Analyzing the Options

Now, let's analyze each of the given options and see which one the nurse should assess the patient for: A. Shellfish allergies: Contrast materials used in an intravenous cholangiogram and some other imaging procedures may contain iodine, which is also found in shellfish. People with shellfish allergies might have a higher risk of a reaction to the contrast dye, so this is an important factor for the nurse to assess before the procedure. B. Reactions to blood transfusions: This option is not directly related to the intravenous cholangiogram procedure, as no blood transfusion is involved in this imaging process. C. Gallbladder disease: While gallbladder disease can be a reason for performing an intravenous cholangiogram, assessing whether the patient has it or not is not the primary concern for the nurse before the procedure. D. Egg allergies: Egg allergies are not directly related to the intravenous cholangiogram procedure, and there is no known connection between having an egg allergy and a potential reaction to the contrast dye used in the procedure.

Determining the Correct Answer

Based on our analysis of the given options, the correct answer is: A. Shellfish allergies The nurse should assess the patient for shellfish allergies before the intravenous cholangiogram because the contrast dye used in the procedure contains iodine, which is found in shellfish as well. People with shellfish allergies may have a higher risk of experiencing a reaction to the contrast material, making this an essential factor for the nurse to assess before the procedure.

Key concepts

Shellfish Allergies

Understanding the relevance of shellfish allergies in medical procedures is vital, especially when it comes to imaging tests that use contrast dyes. Contrast dyes often contain iodine, a natural element that is also present in shellfish. A significant number of people who are allergic to shellfish might react to the iodine in contrast materials.

The severity of such allergic reactions can range from mild (rashes, itchy skin) to severe (anaphylaxis). Therefore, before conducting an intravenous cholangiogram, it's imperative for healthcare professionals to determine if a patient has a history of shellfish allergies. This precaution helps to prevent potential adverse reactions and ensure patient safety.

• Assess for history of shellfish allergy.
• Consider alternative imaging methods if an allergy is present.
• Have emergency response protocols in place in case of an allergic reaction.

If a patient with a shellfish allergy requires a procedure involving contrast dye, pre-medications may be administered to reduce the risk of reaction, or alternative non-iodine based contrasts may be sought.

Contrast Dye

Contrast dye is a substance used in diagnostic imaging to enhance the visibility of internal structures in the body. It's frequently utilized in procedures like CT scans, MRIs, and intravenous cholangiograms. The dye creates a sharp contrast between the fluids and organs, allowing for a more precise analysis.

While contrast dyes have revolutionized imaging techniques, they are not without risk. Patients with impaired kidney function need to be assessed carefully, as the dye might further compromise kidney health. Nurses must consider this and check for any known allergies, particularly to the iodine found in many dyes.

• Gather patient history regarding renal function.
• Ensure there is no history of adverse reactions to contrast dyes.
• Plan for adequate hydration before and after the procedure to help flush out the dye.

A well-conducted nursing assessment for potential issues with contrast dye significantly enhances patient care, reducing risks of complications from the imaging procedure.

Nursing Assessment

Prior to any medical procedure, a comprehensive nursing assessment is critical. For an intravenous cholangiogram, this entails a thorough review of the patient's medical history, current health status, and any known allergies.

The nursing assessment serves as the frontline defense in spotting potential issues that could complicate the procedure or endanger the patient.

• Review the patient’s entire medical and allergy history.
• Evaluate renal function, as contrast dyes can be nephrotoxic.
• Inform patients about the procedure and potential risks, including any measures to mitigate allergic reactions.

It's through a detailed nursing assessment that decisions can be made about the appropriateness of an intravenous cholangiogram for each individual patient, ensuring that every precaution is taken to minimize risks.