Conducting an allergy assessment involves several steps:
1. Patient History: Begin by asking the patient about any known allergies. Questions should cover common allergens such as foods, medications, latex, and environmental factors. 2. Symptoms: Inquire about the symptoms experienced during allergic reactions. These can include hives, itching, swelling, respiratory difficulties, and anaphylaxis. 3. Timing: Determine when the allergic reactions occur. Is it immediately after exposure, or is there a delayed response? 4. Severity: Assess the severity of past reactions. This can help in determining the level of urgency and the need for interventions such as [epinephrine](#). 5. Documentation: Record all findings in the patient's medical records and ensure that this information is easily accessible to all healthcare providers.
