A client diagnosed with leukemia asks the nurse, "What causes the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells?" How should the nurse respond?

A) This choice is incorrect because chemotherapy is not a surgical procedure and does not involve the removal of tumor masses.

B) This choice is incorrect because while immunotherapy may be used as a treatment approach in some cases, the primary goal of chemotherapy is to directly destroy leukemia cells.

C) This choice is correct. The primary goal of chemotherapy in leukemia treatment is to use powerful medications to kill or inhibit the growth of leukemia cells, leading to remission.

D) This choice is incorrect because pain relief and symptom management are not the primary goals of chemotherapy in leukemia treatment.

A) This choice is incorrect because mild redness and tenderness at the IV site are common findings and may indicate a local inflammatory response to the IV infusion.

B) This choice is incorrect because a temperature of 99.8°F (37.7°C) is slightly elevated but not a critical finding. The client's healthcare provider should be notified if the temperature is significantly elevated or if other symptoms are present.

C) This choice is incorrect because a small amount of blood in the IV tubing may be due to a minor infiltration or a common occurrence during IV administration. However, the nurse should monitor the IV site and flow rate closely.

D) This choice is correct. Crackles and decreased breath sounds on auscultation may indicate fluid overload or pulmonary edema, which could be a severe complication of IV chemotherapy. The healthcare provider should be notified immediately to assess the client's respiratory status and provide appropriate intervention.

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