A client has an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of 500/mm3 (0.5 x 10/L) after completing chemotherapy. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement? Reference Range:
Neutrophils (ANC) [2.500 to 5,800/mm (2.5 to 5.8 x 10/L)]
Review need for pneumococcal vaccine.
Implement bleeding precautions.
Place the client in protective isolation.
Assess vital signs every 4 hours.
The Correct Answer is C
C. An ANC of 500/mm3 (0.5 x 10/L) is indicative of severe neutropenia, which places the client at a significantly increased risk of developing infections due to the decreased ability of the immune system to fight off pathogens. Placing the client in protective isolation is essential to minimize the risk of exposure to infectious agents that could lead to severe infections
A. While reviewing the need for pneumococcal vaccine is important for preventing infections in immunocompromised clients, it may not be the most immediate priority in this scenario.
B. Implementing bleeding precautions is relevant for clients with thrombocytopenia but is not the most critical intervention for a client with severe neutropenia.
D. Assessing vital signs every 4 hours is a routine nursing intervention, but it may not directly address the heightened risk of infection associated with severe neutropenia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell involved in the body's immune response, particularly in fighting bacterial infections. In the context of burns, especially full-thickness burns with purulent drainage, an elevated neutrophil count (neutrophilia) may indicate an ongoing infection. Burn wounds are susceptible to bacterial colonization and infection due to the loss of the skin's protective barrier.
B. Blood pH level refers to the acidity or alkalinity of the blood. While maintaining normal blood pH is crucial for overall health, changes in blood pH are not typically directly related to the presence of purulent drainage in burn wounds.
C. Serum albumin is a protein found in the blood that plays a role in maintaining osmotic pressure and transporting various substances, including drugs and hormones. Low serum albumin levels (hypoalbuminemia) can occur in individuals with severe burns due to increased protein loss through damaged skin and decreased protein synthesis. However, it is not directly related to evaluating purulent drainage from burn wounds.
D. Platelet count: Platelets are blood cells involved in clotting, which is essential for wound healing. While thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) can occur in individuals with severe burns,it is not directly related to assessing infection in burn wounds.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. Assessing the time of symptom onset and determining if the symptoms have improved or worsened since onset is crucial for determining the urgency of the situation and guiding further management. This information helps the healthcare team identify the potential cause of the symptoms and decide on the appropriate course of action. Sudden onset of confusion and trouble speaking can be indicative of various serious conditions such as stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), intracranial hemorrhage, or other neurological emergencies.
A. Assessing for a swallowing reflex and performing communication deficit assessments are important aspects of the client's assessment but they may not be the immediate priority in the initial management of the client.
B. Administering aspirin to prevent further clot formation and platelet clumping may be appropriate if the client is suspected to have an ischemic stroke, but it should be done based on a comprehensive assessment
C. Initiating bilateral intermittent sequential pneumatic compression devices is indicated for preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in hospitalized clients, but it is not the most immediate intervention for this particular client.
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