A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving cisplatin for the treatment of ovarian cancer. The client's most recent complete blood count (CBC) is shown in the table below. It is important for the nurse to consider which of the following for the client?

- WBC: 1,400/mm³

- RBC: 4.3 x 10¹²/L

- Hgb: 12.1 g/dL

- Hct: 36.5%

- Platelets: 170,000/mm³

- Albumin: 4.5 g/dL

Given the options:

The client should receive an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent.

The client should receive a diet with increased protein.

The client has an increased risk of infection.

The client has an increased risk for bleeding.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: The use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) is indicated for anemia due to chemotherapy¹. However, the client's hemoglobin (Hgb) level is 12.1 g/dL, which is within the normal range (normal: 12-15.5 g/dL for women). Therefore, administering an ESA is not indicated based on the Hgb level provided.

Choice B reason: A diet with increased protein can be beneficial for patients undergoing chemotherapy as it helps in tissue repair and immune system function. However, the client's albumin level is 4.5 g/dL, which falls within the normal range (normal: 3.4-5.4 g/dL), suggesting adequate protein intake. Thus, there is no indication that the client requires an increased protein diet based on the albumin level provided.

Choice C reason: The client's white blood cell (WBC) count is 1,400/mm³, which is below the normal range (normal: 4,500-11,000/mm³). This condition, known as leukopenia, significantly increases the risk of infection³. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize monitoring for signs of infection and implementing infection control measures.

Choice D reason: The client's platelet count is 170,000/mm³, which is within the normal range (normal: 150,000-450,000/mm³). Although cisplatin can cause thrombocytopenia, the current platelet count does not indicate an increased risk for bleeding⁴. Therefore, this choice is not correct based on the platelet count provided.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason:
Arthralgia, or joint pain, is a common symptom associated with heterotopic ossification (HO), especially when it occurs near joints. The ectopic bone formation can lead to restricted movement and pain during joint movement.

Choice B reason:
Bradycardia, or a slower than normal heart rate, is not directly associated with HO. While spinal cord injuries can affect autonomic control and potentially lead to bradycardia, it is not a symptom specifically linked to the presence of HO.

Choice C reason:
Fecal impaction may occur in patients with spinal cord injuries due to mobility issues and changes in bowel function, but it is not a direct result of HO. HO does not typically affect bowel movements unless the ossification is in a location that mechanically obstructs the bowel.

Choice D reason:
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is not a symptom commonly associated with HO. While individuals with spinal cord injuries may experience dysregulation of blood pressure, this is not specifically related to HO.

A. A personal trainer who works with a client who has HIV. B. An occupational therapist who works with a client who has HIV. C. A phlebotomist who collects blood from clients who have HIV. D. A nurse who works for an insurance company and collects urine samples from clients who have HIV.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason:
A personal trainer working with a client who has HIV is at low risk for contracting the virus. HIV is not transmitted through casual contact, sweat, or saliva. The risk would increase only if there were exposure to blood or other body fluids through an open wound or mucous membrane.

Choice B reason:
An occupational therapist working with a client who has HIV also has a low risk of contracting the virus. Similar to a personal trainer, unless there is direct exposure to blood or body fluids, the transmission risk is minimal.

Choice C reason:
A phlebotomist who collects blood from clients who have HIV is at the greatest risk among the listed individuals. Phlebotomists are healthcare professionals who are frequently exposed to blood, which is a bodily fluid that can transmit HIV if proper precautions are not taken.

Choice D reason:
A nurse who collects urine samples is at a lower risk compared to a phlebotomist. HIV is not typically transmitted through urine unless it contains blood. However, the risk is still present if there is exposure to blood-contaminated urine through cuts or mucous membranes.

View Question and Answer

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

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing a client who has a spinal cord injury with heterotopic ossifications. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A group of nurses are discussing risk factors for the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from clients. Which of the following individuals should the nurse identify as being at the greatest risk for contracting HIV?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse in a community health center is assessing the results of a tuberculin skin test she performed on a client. Which of the following results indicates exposure to and a possible infection with tuberculosis (TB)?

A charge nurse is teaching a group of healthcare workers about hand hygiene to prevent infection. Which of the following information should the charge nurse include in the teaching?

A nurse is creating the plan of care for a client who is immunosuppressed. Which of the following precautions should the nurse include in the plan? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is taking aspirin 650 mg every 4 hours. Which of the following diagnostic tests should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of this medication?

A nurse is caring for a client who has HIV. Which of the following laboratory values is the nurse's priority?

A nurse is assessing a client following the application of a leg cast for the treatment of a fracture. If the cast is too tight, which of the following findings should the nurse expect to observe first?

A nurse is teaching a client who has a pelvic fracture about the manifestations of fat embolism syndrome. The nurse should include which of the following findings as an early manifestation?