Before using CHG or povidone-iodine, what patient history or allergy must be reviewed?

• A. History of smoking
• B. Allergy to chlorhexidine or iodine
• C. Family history of cancer
• D. Alcohol intolerance

Answer: (B)

Before using CHG or povidone-iodine, you need to check for allergies to chlorhexidine or iodine. This matters because allergic reactions to these antiseptics can range from dermatitis to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Knowing any previous reactions to CHG or iodine allows you to choose a safe alternative or formulation and prevents avoidable harm. If a patient is allergic to chlorhexidine, you’d avoid CHG and use a different antiseptic; if there’s an iodine allergy, you’d avoid povidone-iodine and select another option. Other history items like smoking, family cancer history, or alcohol intolerance don’t directly impact the allergy risk to these agents, though alcohol-based CHG preparations may be inappropriate for someone with alcohol intolerance.