A client with acute lymphocytic leukemia received induction chemotherapy. The client's absolute neutrophil count is zero, and the client is experiencing fatigue and mild nausea. Which nursing action is the highest priority?
Assess for sources of bleeding and provide pressure on wounds
Limit contact with infected visitors and place in positive pressure isolation
Administer antiemetics and assess nutrition and hydration status
Monitor energy levels and begin energy-conserving techniques
The Correct Answer is B
A. Assessing for sources of bleeding is important in clients with neutropenia, but the highest priority is preventing infection, as the client’s absolute neutrophil count is zero, indicating an extremely high risk for infection.
B. Limiting contact with infected visitors and placing the client in positive pressure isolation is crucial for preventing infections. With a neutrophil count of zero, the client is highly immunocompromised and at a significant risk of infection, making this the highest priority action.
C. Administering antiemetics and assessing nutrition and hydration are important for managing symptoms, but they do not address the immediate risk of infection associated with severe neutropenia.
D. Monitoring energy levels and implementing energy-conserving techniques are important for overall care but do not address the urgent need to protect the client from infections due to their neutropenic status.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Performing hand hygiene before, during, and after direct contact with the client is the most effective strategy for preventing the transmission of infections. Hand hygiene interrupts the transmission of pathogens and is a cornerstone of infection control practices.
B. Changing the client's bed linens each day is a standard practice for maintaining cleanliness but does not specifically prevent infection transmission. The primary goal of infection control is to reduce pathogen transmission rather than just maintaining general cleanliness.
C. Controlling the client's blood glucose level is important for overall health and wound healing but does not directly prevent infection transmission. It is not an infection control strategy.
D. Placing the client in a room with positive-pressure airflow is used to protect immunocompromised patients from infections by preventing outside air from entering the room. However, it is not appropriate for preventing the transmission of an infection from a client to others.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. A decrease in the Glasgow Coma Scale score from 13 to 10 indicates a significant change in consciousness and may suggest worsening of the brain injury. This is a critical sign that requires immediate reporting and evaluation.
B. Diplopia (double vision) can be a concerning symptom, but it is not as immediately critical as a significant change in the Glasgow Coma Scale score. It still warrants attention but may not be the highest priority.
C. Ataxia (lack of voluntary coordination of muscle movements) is a serious symptom that could indicate worsening of the brain injury but is not as immediately critical as a significant change in the Glasgow Coma Scale score.
D. A drop in heart rate from 76 to 70/min is generally not significant in the context of mild TBI. Changes in heart rate are less critical compared to changes in the level of consciousness.
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