A 4-year-old patient is brought to the clinic because the child has not recovered from a respiratory infection. The patient is pale and lethargic. Leukemia is suspected. Which lab value, if elevated, would support the diagnosis of leukemia?

Choice A rationale:

Giving the patient a soft tissue is not the initial action to take when dealing with clear liquid drainage from the nose. Assessing the content of the drainage is more crucial for appropriate management.

Choice B rationale:

Checking the drainage for glucose content is essential because the presence of glucose indicates that the drainage is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which can occur with a skull fracture that involves the base of the skull.

Choice C rationale:

Obtaining a specimen of the drainage for culture and sensitivity is important, but it is not the initial action. Confirming the nature of the drainage takes precedence.

Choice D rationale:

Asking the father about nasal drainage before the injury is not as relevant as assessing the current drainage, which could be indicative of a CSF leak.

Choice A rationale:

While maintaining a moist oral mucosa is important, preventing infection takes precedence, as infections can lead to serious complications and compromise overall health.

Choice B rationale:

Increasing physical mobility is a valid goal, but infection prevention is more critical, especially when starting prednisone therapy, which can weaken the immune response.

Choice C rationale:

The priority lies in keeping the patient free of infection. Prednisone can suppress the immune system, making the patient more susceptible to infections that can have severe consequences.

Choice D rationale:

Ingesting a moderate potassium diet is important, but the prevention of infection takes precedence due to the potential for serious health risks associated with compromised immunity.