A client with leukemia who is receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy has a platelet count of 25,000/mm3 (25 x 109/L). Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in this client's plan of care?
Reference Range:
Platelet Count [150,000 to 400,000/mm3 (156 400 x 109/L)]
Assess urine and stool for occult blood.
Obtain client's temperature every 4 hours.
Monitor for signs of activity intolerance
Require visitors to wear respiratory masks.
The Correct Answer is A
A) Correct- With a significantly low platelet count, the risk of bleeding is elevated. Assessing urine and stool for occult (hidden) blood is important to detect any signs of internal bleeding that may not be immediately apparent. A low platelet count increases the risk of spontaneous bleeding, which can be life-threatening if undetected.
B) Incorrect- This choice is related to neutropenia, not thrombocytopenia. Neutropenia, or low neutrophil count, increases the risk of infection, which is why monitoring temperature frequently is important.
C) Incorrect- Monitoring for signs of activity intolerance is not directly related to the low platelet count. The primary concern with thrombocytopenia is the risk of bleeding, not generalized activity intolerance.
D) Incorrect- Requiring visitors to wear respiratory masks is not relevant to the client's current condition of low platelet count. This action is related to infection control and protection from respiratory infections.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
A) Incorrect- Standard precautions are used for all clients to prevent the spread of infections.
However, in the case of MRSA, contact precautions are needed due to the risk of direct transmission through physical contact.
B) Correct- Monitoring the white blood cell count is important to assess for signs of infection, as an elevated count might indicate an ongoing inflammatory response.
C) Correct- Foul-smelling drainage from an incision with suspected MRSA indicates a potential infection. Contact precautions are appropriate for MRSA, which include wearing gloves and gowns when entering the client's room to prevent the spread of the bacteria.
D) Correct- Sending wound drainage for culture and sensitivity helps identify the specific microorganisms causing the infection and guides appropriate antibiotic treatment.
E) Incorrect- A low-bacteria diet is not relevant to the situation. MRSA is caused by a bacterium, not by dietary factors. The focus should be on infection control measures and appropriate medical interventions.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Incorrect- Observing for swelling at the fracture site is important for assessing the client's musculoskeletal condition, but it is not the priority intervention in this situation. The absence of spontaneous respirations and palpable carotid pulse indicates cardiac arrest, and immediate intervention is needed.
B) Incorrect- Analyzing the cardiac rhythm in another lead is not the first priority when the client is in cardiac arrest. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be initiated immediately to restore circulation.
C) Incorrect- Obtaining a 12-lead electrocardiogram is not the initial intervention in a client in cardiac arrest. CPR and defibrillation (if indicated) are the immediate actions to provide circulation and oxygenation to the vital organs.
D) Correct- The absence of spontaneous respirations and palpable carotid pulse indicates cardiac arrest. In this situation, immediate initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is critical to provide circulation and oxygenation to the vital organs. Chest compressions are the initial step to address cardiac arrest and ensure blood flow to the body.

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