Chapter 35- Assessment of Immune Function

Question 1 See full question A client undergoing a skin test has been intradermally injected with a disease-specific antigen on the inner forearm. The client becomes anxious because the area begins to swell. Which technique may be used to decrease anxiety in this client? You Selected:  Assure the client that this is a normal reaction Correct response:  Assure the client that this is a normal reaction Explanation: The nurse should assure the client that this is a normal reaction. When disease-specific antigens are injected, the injection area swells as a result of the client developing antibodies against the antigen that is introduced. The nurse should also keep in mind that the client is not necessarily actively infectious if the test result is positive. Rubbing the area gently or even applying ice packs may only aggravate the swelling. The swollen area should be left open to heal by itself. The nurse should await the physician's instructions before advising the client to use any prescribed analgesics. Reference:  Hinkle, J.L., and Cheever, K.H. Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing, 14th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams