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 D
Explanation
A) Incorrect - Initiating continuous dopamine infusion is not a priority in this situation. The client's low blood pressure and electrolyte imbalances require more immediate attention.
B) Incorrect - Administering promethazine addresses symptoms like nausea and vomiting, but it doesn't address the primary issue of hypovolemia and low blood pressure.
C) Incorrect - Administering potassium chloride without addressing the fluid deficit can be dangerous and may lead to further electrolyte imbalances.
D) Correct- The client's vital signs and laboratory results indicate hypovolemia (low blood pressure, low sodium, and low potassium). The immediate priority is to address the fluid deficit and correct the electrolyte imbalances. Administering a bolus of 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline) will help increase intravascular volume and improve blood pressure, as well as correct the electrolyte imbalances to some extent.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Incorrect - Developing new screening protocols is important, but it doesn't directly indicate that the program has prevented diseases. Screening protocols might catch diseases but don't prevent them.
B) Incorrect - Clients receiving rehabilitation indicates they already had disease complications, which is not a primary prevention outcome.
C) Correct- An improvement in average client scores on risk factor knowledge tests suggests that the primary prevention program has successfully educated clients about behaviors and practices that can help prevent sexually transmitted diseases. This improvement indicates that clients have a better understanding of the risks and protective measures, which is a key indicator of program effectiveness.
D) Incorrect - Diagnosing clients early in their disease process is related to early detection (secondary prevention), not primary prevention.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
