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 C
Explanation
Choice A
Providing pamphlets about heart-healthy diet selections should not be implemented. Providing information is important, but it might not be as effective if the client is strongly resistant. Engaging in a conversation first can help tailor the information to the client's needs.
Choice B
Referring the client to a dietitian for nutrition education should not be implemented. A dietitian can provide valuable education, but it might be more beneficial to address the client's concerns and resistance before making the referral.
Choice C
Discussing client's concerns about the change in diet should be implemented. When a client is resistant or unwilling to make changes to their diet and lifestyle, it's important for the nurse to engage in open and empathetic communication. Option C, discussing the client's concerns about the change in diet, is the most appropriate initial response.
By engaging in a conversation with the client, the nurse can better understand the client's perspective, reasons for resistance, and potential barriers to making dietary changes. This approach allows the nurse to address the client's concerns, provide information, and work collaboratively to find solutions that might be more acceptable to the client.
Choice D
Suggesting exercise as an alternative to increase HDL levels should not be implemented. Exercise is important for heart health, but it's important to address the client's resistance to dietary changes first. Additionally, dietary changes and exercise can work together to improve overall heart health.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A
Low residue diet is incorrect. A low residue diet is typically recommended for individuals with gastrointestinal conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or diverticulitis. This diet limits high-fibre foods to reduce bowel movements and ease digestive stress. However, it might not be the best option for a client with stomatitis who is struggling to eat due to mouth pain.
Choice B
Mechanical soft diet is incorrect. A mechanical soft diet includes foods that are soft and easy to chew, but they aren't necessarily pureed. While this diet might be more comfortable to eat for some individuals, a client with severe stomatitis might still experience pain while chewing. A pureed diet is a step further in terms of texture modification and can be better tolerated by someone with significant mouth pain.
Choice C
Pureed regular diet is correct. Stomatitis is inflammation of the mouth and can cause pain and discomfort, making it difficult for the client to eat. In this case, a pureed regular diet would be the most suitable choice.
Choice D
High protein soft diet is incorrect. While a high protein diet is important for recovery, healing, and maintaining muscle mass, the texture of the diet is equally important for someone with stomatitis. A high protein soft diet might still involve foods that are challenging to eat due to mouth pain, and therefore, a pureed diet would be a better option in this case.
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