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
NPO status is crucial before a surgical procedure, especially when anesthesia will be administered. It helps prevent complications related to aspiration of gastric contents during the procedure. Failure to adhere to the NPO status can lead to serious respiratory problems, such as aspiration pneumonia.
It is important for the nurse to confirm the NPO status with the client to ensure that they have followed the appropriate fasting guidelines. This should be done to ensure the client's safety during the surgery.
While determining when the client last had pain medication, offering assistance to the restroom, and reviewing postoperative instructions are important aspects of preoperative care, confirming NPO status is the most critical nursing action in this particular scenario.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Correct- As a nurse, it's important to provide accurate and helpful information to patients and families. In this situation, the parents have brought literature from a genetic counselor and are seeking clarification. The nurse should review the literature to the best of their ability and answer any questions they can. This approach demonstrates support, a willingness to help, and a commitment to providing accurate information.
B) Incorrect- While understanding the parents' reasons for seeking genetic counseling is important, it shouldn't be the first response when they have already brought literature and are seeking clarification. Addressing their questions and concerns is the immediate priority.
C) Incorrect- While it's true that the couple could contact the genetic counselor for further information, as a healthcare professional, the nurse should still offer assistance by reviewing the literature and answering questions to the best of their ability.
D) Incorrect- While support groups can be beneficial for parents of children with Trisomy 21, the immediate concern is addressing the parents' questions about the literature they've brought. Providing accurate information should be the primary focus at this time.
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