A client diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) develops a platelet count of 10,000 mm3 during chemotherapy treatment. What is an appropriate nursing intervention for this client, based on this finding?
Table 34.1 Review of Normal Ranges for Complete Blood Cell Counts (Adult)
|
Blood Cell |
Normal Ranges |
|
Red blood cells (mature, circulating) |
Male: 451-6.01 million/mm3 Female: 4.01-5.51 million/mm3 |
|
Hemoglobin |
Adult (15-64 yr) Male 14-17.3 g/dL Female 11.7-155 g/dL |
|
Hematocrit |
42%-52% in males 36% -48% in females |
|
Reticulocytes |
0.5% -2.5% of total RBC count |
|
White blood cells (total) |
4.5-11.1 10/mm3 |
|
Neutrophils |
59% Bands 3% Segs-56% |
|
Eosinophils |
2.7% |
|
Basophils |
0.5% |
|
Lymphocytes |
34% |
|
Monocytes |
4% |
|
Platelets |
150,000-450,000/mm3 |
Obtain a prescription for stool occult blood testing
Encourage intake of oral fluids to 3000 mL/day
Assess the temperature every four hours
Provide oral hygiene every two hours
The Correct Answer is C
A. This intervention can be appropriate since a very low platelet count increases the risk of bleeding, including gastrointestinal bleeding. However, this action alone does not directly address the immediate risks associated with the low platelet count.
B. While hydration is important for overall health, this intervention does not specifically address the risks associated with a low platelet count. Additionally, excessive fluid intake may not be appropriate for all patients, especially if there are underlying kidney issues or fluid restrictions.
C. Clients with AML and low platelet counts are at increased risk for infections and may develop febrile neutropenia. Monitoring temperature every four hours can help detect early signs of infection, allowing for timely intervention.
D. While maintaining oral hygiene is important, especially in patients undergoing chemotherapy, this intervention may not be the most critical action based on the acute concern of a very low platelet count. However, it is important to note that patients with low platelet counts may also experience bleeding from the gums, making gentle oral care essential.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Many women diagnosed with ovarian cancer are indeed older, but the presence of other health problems is not a primary factor in explaining the high death rates. The key issue is more related to late- stage diagnosis rather than age alone.
B. While some ovarian cancer cells can develop resistance to treatment, it is not universally true for all cases. The high mortality rate is more often due to the late stage at which the cancer is diagnosed rather than inherent resistance to treatment. Thus, this option does not fully explain the high death rates.
C. Ovarian cancer often presents with vague symptoms that can be easily overlooked in the early stages, such as bloating, abdominal discomfort, or changes in bowel habits. As a result, many women do not receive a diagnosis until the cancer has progressed to a more advanced stage, contributing significantly to the high mortality rates associated with the disease.
D. While it is true that the ovaries are located deep in the pelvis, the main treatment for ovarian cancer typically involves surgery and chemotherapy rather than radiation therapy. Radiation is not a primary treatment for this cancer type, and this statement does not accurately reflect why the death rates are high.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. CA-125 is primarily associated with ovarian cancer and is not a relevant tumor marker for testicular cancer. Serum ceruloplasmin is a copper-carrying protein that can be elevated in various conditions, but it is not specific for testicular cancer. Therefore, this option is not appropriate.
B. Both hCG and AFP are tumor markers specifically associated with testicular cancer. Elevated levels of these markers can indicate the presence of non-seminomatous testicular tumors. Monitoring these markers is essential for diagnosis, assessing treatment response, and detecting recurrence.
C. EPO is involved in red blood cell production and is not a tumor marker for testicular cancer. CEA is primarily associated with colorectal cancer and some other malignancies, but it is not specific for testicular cancer.
D. PSA is a tumor marker associated with prostate cancer, not testicular cancer. While hCG is relevant for testicular cancer, the inclusion of PSA makes this option inappropriate for a client with testicular cancer.
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