A preschooler with repaired lumbar myelomeningocele presents with wheezing and a skin rash. To assess for latex allergy, which question should be asked first?

A preschooler with repaired lumbar myelomeningocele presents with wheezing and a skin rash. To assess for latex allergy, which question should be asked first?

• A. Is your child taking any medications?
• B. Who brought your child to the ED?
• C. Is your child allergic to bananas or any other food?
• D. What are you doing to treat your child's skin rash?

Answer: (C)

Screening for latex allergy in a child with repaired lumbar myelomeningocele relies on recognizing latex-fruit cross-reactivity. Certain fruits trigger reactions in people with latex allergy, so asking specifically about banana allergy (and other cross-reactive foods like avocado, kiwi, or chestnut) serves as a quick, effective initial screen. A history of banana allergy makes latex allergy more likely and prompts precautionary steps to avoid latex-containing products. Other questions listed don’t directly assess the risk for latex allergy: medications relate to treatment, who brought the child to the ED is social history, and asking about the skin rash focuses on current management rather than risk assessment for latex exposure.

Screening for latex allergy in a child with repaired lumbar myelomeningocele relies on recognizing latex-fruit cross-reactivity. Certain fruits trigger reactions in people with latex allergy, so asking specifically about banana allergy (and other cross-reactive foods like avocado, kiwi, or chestnut) serves as a quick, effective initial screen. A history of banana allergy makes latex allergy more likely and prompts precautionary steps to avoid latex-containing products.

Other questions listed don’t directly assess the risk for latex allergy: medications relate to treatment, who brought the child to the ED is social history, and asking about the skin rash focuses on current management rather than risk assessment for latex exposure.