ABSTRACT
Latex allergy is an immune system illness affecting an increasing number of individuals. People with latex allergy often experience anxiety and fear about real and potential exposure to products containing natural rubber latex. Nurses working in acute care and general medical-surgical areas are more likely to be aware of this emerging illness than nurses working on a psychiatric unit. The nature of latex allergy and the immune system response are described in this article. People with latex allergy may react when they are exposed to latex allergens or specific foods. This article identifies nursing interventions and describes those appropriate for people with anxiety or fear responses. Patients with latex allergy can be managed when nursing staff understand both the medical and psychiatric aspects of care.
