A client has an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of 500/mm³ (0.5 x 10⁹/L) after completing chemotherapy. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?
Reference Range:
Neutrophils (ANC) [2500 to 5800/mm³ (2.5 to 5.8 x 10⁹/L)]
Review need for pneumococcal vaccine.
Implement bleeding precautions.
Assess vital signs every 4 hours.
Place the client in protective isolation.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because reviewing the need for pneumococcal vaccine is not the most important intervention for the nurse to implement. Pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for people who are at high risk of pneumococcal infections, such as those with chronic diseases or immunosuppression. However, it is not a priority action for a client with neutropenia, which is a low number of neutrophils that increases the risk of bacterial and fungal infections.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because implementing bleeding precautions is not the most important intervention for the nurse to implement. Bleeding precautions are indicated for clients who have thrombocytopenia, which is a low number of platelets that impairs blood clotting. However, this is not the case for a client with neutropenia, which affects the white blood cells that fight infections.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because assessing vital signs every 4 hours is not the most important intervention for the nurse to implement. Vital signs are important indicators of the client's health status and may reveal signs of infection, such as fever, tachycardia, or hypotension. However, this is not a sufficient measure to prevent or treat infections in a client with neutropenia, who needs more aggressive and proactive interventions.
Choice D reason: This is correct because placing the client in protective isolation is the most important intervention for the nurse to implement. Protective isolation, also known as reverse isolation or neutropenic precautions, is a set of measures that aim to protect the client from exposure to pathogens that may cause infections. These include wearing gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection; using sterile equipment and techniques; avoiding contact with people who are sick or have infections; and restricting visitors and fresh flowers or fruits.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is []
Explanation
- The client is most likely experiencing compartment syndrome, which is a condition where increased pressure within a closed space compromises blood flow and tissue perfusion. Compartment syndrome can occur after a fracture, especially if a cast or splint is applied too tightly. Some of the signs and symptoms of compartment syndrome are severe pain, paresthesia, pallor, and pulselessness.
- Two actions the nurse should take to address compartment syndrome are:
- Elevate the extremity above the level of the heart to reduce swelling and improve venous return.
- Remove the cast or loosen the dressing to relieve the pressure and restore blood flow. This may require notifying the physician or obtaining an order for bivalving or cutting the cast.
- Two parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client’s condition are:
- Capillary refill of the affected fingers, which should be less than 3 seconds. A prolonged capillary refill indicates poor perfusion and tissue ischemia.
- Blood pressure of the client, which should be maintained within normal limits. Hypotension can worsen the perfusion deficit and lead to tissue necrosis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Sweet potatoes are not a food that the client should avoid after passing a calcium oxalate renal stone, because they are low in oxalate, which is a substance that can combine with calcium in the urine and form stones. The client should limit foods that are high in oxalate, such as spinach, rhubarb, beets, nuts, chocolate, tea, and wheat bran. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice B reason: Spinach salad is a food that the client should avoid after passing a calcium oxalate renal stone, because it is high in oxalate, which can increase the risk of stone formation. The client should consume foods that are low in oxalate, such as rice, corn, apples, grapes, peaches, and cheese. Therefore, this choice is correct.
Choice C reason: Bananas are not a food that the client should avoid after passing a calcium oxalate renal stone, because they are low in oxalate and high in potassium, which can help prevent stone formation. The client should increase the intake of fluids, calcium, and citrate, which can reduce the concentration of oxalate and calcium in the urine and inhibit stone formation. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice D reason: Fish is not a food that the client should avoid after passing a calcium oxalate renal stone, because it is low in oxalate and high in protein, which can help maintain muscle mass and prevent weight loss. The client should moderate the intake of animal protein, such as meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products, which can increase the acidity of the urine and promote stone formation. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
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