The nurse includes the problem of "Risk for infection" in the plan of care for a client with myelosuppression. Which laboratory value of care provides the greatest support for this nursing problem?

Reference Range

Hemoglobin (Hgb) (14 to 18 g/dL (8.69 to 11.17 mmol/L] Hematocrit (Hct) [42% to 52% (0.42 to 0.52 volume fraction)]

Red Blood Cell Count (RBC) [4.2 to 5.4 x 10/μL (4.2 to 5.4 x 1012/L)] White Blood Cell (WBC) [5,000 to 10,000/mm3 (5 to 10 x 10"/L)]

Hematocrit of 33% (0.33 volume fraction).

White blood cell count of 1,500/mm3 (1.5 x 10°)

Hemoglobin of 10 g/dl (6.21 mmol/L)

Red blood cell count of 3.5 x 10l(3.5 x 10").

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A.   Hematocrit measures the proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells. A hematocrit of 33% is lower than the normal range (42% to 52% for males and 37% to 47% for females). While this indicates anemia and reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, it is not directly related to the risk for infection.
B.   White blood cells (WBCs) are crucial for the immune system and fighting infections. A WBC count of 1,500/mm³ is significantly below the normal range (5,000 to 10,000/mm³). This low WBC count, also known as leukopenia, indicates a decreased ability to fight infections, making the client highly susceptible to infections.
C.   Hemoglobin measures the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells. A hemoglobin level of 10 g/dL is below the normal range (14 to 18 g/dL), indicating anemia. While anemia affects overall health and can contribute to fatigue and weakness, it does not directly indicate the risk for infection.
D.   The red blood cell (RBC) count measures the number of red blood cells in the blood. A count of 3.5 x 10^12/L is below the normal range (4.2 to 5.4 x 10^12/L), indicating a reduction in red blood cells and anemia. Like low hemoglobin, this value indicates anemia but does not directly reflect the risk for infection.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

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

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. While it's important to monitor for complications, this is not a typical initial instruction for a soft tissue injury.
B. Early range of motion exercises are generally not recommended for acute soft tissue injuries, as they can increase swelling and pain.
C. This is the correct instruction. Applying ice to the injured area helps reduce swelling and pain. It should be applied intermittently to prevent tissue damage from excessive cold.
D. Heat is typically used in the later stages of healing to promote blood flow and relaxation, but continuous heat application can be harmful in the acute phase.

A. Limit intake of chips and pretzels. B. Encourage mountain biking. C. Elevate lower extremities. D. Restrict fluid intake to water.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Chips and pretzels are high in sodium, which can contribute to fluid retention and exacerbate symptoms of CVI. While reducing sodium intake can help manage fluid retention and swelling, it is not the most direct action for promoting circulation itself. It’s more of an adjunctive measure that can support overall management of CVI but does not directly improve venous circulation.
B. Mountain biking is an intense physical activity that may not be suitable for all clients with chronic venous insufficiency, especially if they have significant symptoms or mobility issues. High-impact exercises can potentially exacerbate symptoms or lead to injury. Low-impact activities are generally recommended to improve circulation and manage CVI.
C. Elevating the lower extremities is a highly effective measure for promoting circulation in clients with chronic venous insufficiency. It helps reduce venous pressure and promotes the return of blood to the heart, thereby alleviating swelling and discomfort. This action is directly beneficial in managing CVI.
D. Restricting fluid intake to water alone does not directly address the underlying issues of venous insufficiency. While managing overall fluid intake can be part of a comprehensive plan to prevent excessive fluid retention, it is not the most direct or effective action for promoting circulation compared to elevating the legs.

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

Acute soft tissue injuries provide the nurse with a variety of teaching opportunities. Which instruction should the nurse provide to a client with a soft tissue injury?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Which nursing action is most helpful in promoting circulation in a client with chronic venous insufficiency?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

An adult client is admitted to the medical unit due to rectal bleeding after a colonoscopy in which a polyp was biopsied and cauterized. Which Intervention should the nurse do first?

While assessing a client following lithotripsy with stent insertion, which data indicates to the nurse that the procedure was successful?

The nurse is preparing a teaching plan for a client taking a prescribed diuretic for edema in the lower extremities. Which instruction should the nurse include in this teaching plan?

A client with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is admitted to the hospital for uncontrolled DM. Insulin therapy is initiated with an initial dose Isophane suspension insulin at 0800. At 1600, the client reports having diaphoresis, rapid heartbeat, and feeling shaky. Which should the nurse do first?

While changing the dressing of a client who is immobile, the nurse notices the boundary of the wound has increased. Before reporting this finding to the healthcare provider, the nurse should evaluate which of the client's laboratory values?

The nurse establishes a nursing problem of "Fatigue related to inability to rest comfortably secondary to rheumatoid arthritis." Which nursing intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care for this client?

A client is receiving a secondary infusion of vancomycin 1,500 mg in 250 ml to be infused over two hours. The IV administration set delivers 15 gtt/mL. How many gtt/min should the nurse regulate the Infusion? (Enter numerical value only. If rounding is required, round to the nearest whole number.)

A middle-aged client reports a sudden onset of seeing flashing lights and floating spots. Which is the best nursing action?