A nurse is monitoring a client who is receiving chemotherapy and has a platelet count of 20,000 mm3. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as the priority?

Choice A Reason: Fatigue is not the priority finding for a client who has a low platelet count, as it may indicate other conditions such as anemia, infection, or depression.

Choice B Reason: Anorexia is not the priority finding for a client who has a low platelet count, as it may indicate other conditions such as nausea, pain, or anxiety.

Choice C Reason: Bleeding is the priority finding for a client who has a low platelet count, as it indicates that the client is at risk of hemorrhage and shock due to impaired blood clotting.

Choice D Reason: Fever is not the priority finding for a client who has a low platelet count, but it may indicate an infection that requires prompt treatment.

Choice A Reason: History of alcohol abuse is an additional information that the nurse should obtain from this client, as it may indicate liver damage or cirrhosis, which can cause clay-colored stool due to reduced bile production or flow.

Choice B Reason: Intolerance to fatty foods is not an additional information that the nurse should obtain from this client, as it does not relate to clay-colored stool, but it may indicate gallbladder disease or malabsorption.

Choice C Reason: Pain in the RUQ radiating to the shoulder is an additional information that the nurse should obtain from this client, as it may indicate gallstone obstruction or inflammation, which can cause clay-colored stool due to blocked bile ducts.

Choice D Reason: Pain in the McBurney's point is not an additional information that the nurse should obtain from this client, as it does not relate to clay-colored stool, but it may indicate appendicitis or diverticulitis.

Choice E Reason: Bleeding ulcer is an additional information that the nurse should obtain from this client, as it may indicate upper gastrointestinal bleeding, which can cause clay-colored stool due to digested blood.