The nurse is providing care for a client with an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of 400. Which action should the nurse perform prior to delivering the meal tray to the client's room?
Reference Range
Neutrophils (ANC) [Reference Range: 2500 to 8000 mm3 or 2500 to 8000 cells/uL]
Cut the spaghetti and meatballs into small pieces.
Exchange the pasteurized whole milk with skim milk.
Substitute the fried potatoes with a garden salad.
Remove the fresh grapes from the meal tray.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A
Cutting the spaghetti and meatballs into small pieces is inappropriate. This choice is not directly related to the risk of infection. It might be helpful for a client who has difficulty swallowing or chewing, but it doesn't address the compromised immune system and infection risk.
Choice B
Exchanging pasteurized whole milk with skim milk is inappropriate. The type of milk doesn't have a direct impact on infection risk. Both pasteurized whole milk and skim milk are considered safe for consumption. This choice doesn't address the specific concern of infection in a client with a low ANC.
Choice C
Substituting fried potatoes with a garden salad is inappropriate. While choosing healthier food options can be beneficial for overall health, the choice between fried potatoes and a garden salad doesn't necessarily impact the infection risk for a client with a low ANC. This choice also doesn't address the specific concern of infection in this context.
Choice D
Remove the fresh grapes from the meal tray is appropriate. The reason for this choice is that a client with an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of 400 has a significantly compromised immune system, and they are at a high risk of infection due to their low neutrophil count. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in fighting off infections. A normal ANC falls within the range of 2500 to 8000 mm3 or cells/uL.
Fresh grapes, being a raw and uncooked food item, may carry a higher risk of containing bacteria or pathogens that could pose a threat to a client with such a low ANC. The nurse needs to ensure that the client's exposure to potential sources of infection is minimized.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A
Advising the client that too much fruit can irritate the colon is not the right choice. While it's true that excessive consumption of certain fruits can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, this information is not directly related to celiac disease or the selected meal.
Choice B
Informing the client that oatmeal contains gluten is the right choice. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley, triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine. Oatmeal itself is naturally gluten-free, but it is often processed in facilities that also process gluten-containing grains, which can lead to cross-contamination. Therefore, it's important for individuals with celiac disease to choose certified gluten-free oats to avoid adverse reactions.
Choice C
Commending the client for selecting fat-free milk is not the best choice. While choosing a healthier milk option is beneficial for overall health, it is not the most important action in this situation, considering the client's celiac disease.
Choice D reason;
Encouraging the client to choose decaffeinated coffee is not the right choice. The choice of caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee is a matter of preference and is not directly related to celiac disease or the potential for gluten exposure from the oatmeal.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A
Apples and blueberries are incorrect. While apples and blueberries are sources of nutrients, they are not as high in potassium as avocados and bananas.
Choice B
Avocados and bananas are correct. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) often requires dietary modifications to manage electrolyte and mineral imbalances. In CKD stage 4, the kidney's ability to filter waste and excess substances from the blood is significantly impaired. Therefore, certain foods that are high in potassium should be limited to prevent hyperkalaemia (elevated blood potassium levels).
Choice C
Cherries and cranberries are incorrect. Cherries and cranberries are also sources of nutrients, but their potassium content is not as high as that of avocados and bananas.
Choice D
Carrots and green beans are incorrect. Carrots and green beans are vegetables that are generally lower in potassium compared to fruits like avocados and bananas.

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