A client diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) develops a platelet count of 10,000 mm3 during chemotherapy treatment. What is an appropriate nursing intervention for this client, based on this finding?

Table 34.1 Review of Normal Ranges for Complete Blood Cell Counts (Adult)

Blood Cell

Normal Ranges

Red blood cells (mature, circulating)

Male: 451-6.01 million/mm3

Female: 4.01-5.51 million/mm3

Hemoglobin

Adult (15-64 yr)

Male 14-17.3 g/dL

Female 11.7-155 g/dL

Hematocrit

42%-52% in males

36% -48% in females

Reticulocytes

0.5% -2.5% of total RBC count

White blood cells (total)

4.5-11.1 10/mm3

Neutrophils

59%

Bands 3% Segs-56%

Eosinophils

2.7%

Basophils

0.5%

Lymphocytes

34%

Monocytes

4%

Platelets

150,000-450,000/mm3

Obtain a prescription for stool occult blood testing

Encourage intake of oral fluids to 3000 mL/day

Assess the temperature every four hours

Provide oral hygiene every two hours

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A.   This intervention can be appropriate since a very low platelet count increases the risk of bleeding, including gastrointestinal bleeding. However, this action alone does not directly address the immediate risks associated with the low platelet count.
B.   While hydration is important for overall health, this intervention does not specifically address the risks associated with a low platelet count. Additionally, excessive fluid intake may not be appropriate for all patients, especially if there are underlying kidney issues or fluid restrictions.
C.   Clients with AML and low platelet counts are at increased risk for infections and may develop febrile neutropenia. Monitoring temperature every four hours can help detect early signs of infection, allowing for timely intervention.
D.   While maintaining oral hygiene is important, especially in patients undergoing chemotherapy, this intervention may not be the most critical action based on the acute concern of a very low platelet count. However, it is important to note that patients with low platelet counts may also experience bleeding from the gums, making gentle oral care essential.

Nursing Test Bank

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Trisomy 21 is a chromosomal disorder resulting in Down syndrome. While individuals with Down syndrome have an increased risk of developing certain leukemias (such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia), it is not directly associated with CML.
B. Fragile X syndrome is a genetic condition caused by a mutation in the FMR1 gene on the X chromosome, leading to intellectual disability and other developmental issues. It is not associated with CML or any form of leukemia. This option is unrelated to the genetic abnormalities seen in CML.
C. The BRCA1 gene mutation is associated with an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancers. While mutations in BRCA1 can affect cancer susceptibility, they are not linked to Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia. Thus, this option does not apply to CML.
D. The Philadelphia chromosome is a specific genetic abnormality found in the majority of patients with CML. It results from a translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22, creating the BCR-ABL fusion gene, which produces a tyrosine kinase that drives the proliferation of leukemic cells.

A. notify the provider if the urine output is absent." B. resume voiding normally within one week." C. take a stool softener daily to decrease the chance of straining." D. monitor the skin around the surgical site for redness."

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. After a radical cystectomy, the client may have a urinary diversion (such as a stoma) and should be vigilant about monitoring urine output. Absence of urine output can indicate a serious issue, and notifying the provider is crucial.
B. This statement indicates a need for further clarification. After a radical cystectomy, clients typically do not resume normal voiding because the bladder is removed. Instead, they may have a urinary diversion or need to learn how to manage their new urinary output. Normal voiding as before surgery is not possible, so this statement reflects a misunderstanding of the procedure's implications.
C. After surgery, particularly abdominal surgery like a radical cystectomy, patients are often advised to take stool softeners to prevent constipation. Straining can increase the risk of complications and affect the surgical site, so this is a valid precaution.
D. Monitoring the surgical site for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge, is an essential part of post-operative care. Clients should be educated on how to check their surgical site for any concerning changes.

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Blood Cell	Normal Ranges
Red blood cells (mature, circulating)	Male: 451-6.01 million/mm3 Female: 4.01-5.51 million/mm3
Hemoglobin	Adult (15-64 yr) Male 14-17.3 g/dL Female 11.7-155 g/dL
Hematocrit	42%-52% in males 36% -48% in females
Reticulocytes	0.5% -2.5% of total RBC count
White blood cells (total)	4.5-11.1 10/mm3
Neutrophils	59% Bands 3% Segs-56%
Eosinophils	2.7%
Basophils	0.5%
Lymphocytes	34%
Monocytes	4%

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

What genetic abnormality would a nurse expect in a client diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Which statement, made by a client being discharged to home after a radical cystectomy, indicates a need for further clarification by the nurse? "I will:

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A 78-year-old client is admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) with numbness and weakness of the right arm and slurred speech. Which nursing intervention is a priority?

A client returns to the surgical unit following a right modified radical mastectomy with dissection of axillary lymph nodes. An appropriate nursing intervention in the postoperative care for the client includes:

The rehabilitation nurse determines that the client who has had a hemorrhagic stroke is successfully adapting to functional changes if they:

The nurse, caring for a client diagnosed with testicular cancer, should anticipate a medical prescription for which of the following tumor marker studies? A/An:

A nurse is assessing a client diagnosed with renal cancer. The client is complaining of flank pain. Which additional assessment finding should the nurse expect?

The nurse is planning care for client who is recovering from a total abdominal hysterectomy for uterine cancer. The nurse would include which intervention to decrease the risk of an embolic event?

The client has developed graft versus host disease (GVHD) during treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The client has a generalized pruritic rash on the trunk and the extremities. What nursing measures should the nurse use to address this problem?

Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the postoperative teaching for a patient diagnosed with thyroid cancer who had a thyroidectomy and is receiving levothyroxine?