A client with acute lymphocytic leukemia received induction chemotherapy. The client's absolute neutrophil count is zero, and the client is experiencing fatigue and mild nausea. Which nursing action is the highest priority?

Assess for sources of bleeding and provide pressure on wounds

Limit contact with infected visitors and place in positive pressure isolation

Administer antiemetics and assess nutrition and hydration status

Monitor energy levels and begin energy-conserving techniques

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Assessing for sources of bleeding is important in clients with neutropenia, but the highest priority is preventing infection, as the client’s absolute neutrophil count is zero, indicating an extremely high risk for infection.
B. Limiting contact with infected visitors and placing the client in positive pressure isolation is crucial for preventing infections. With a neutrophil count of zero, the client is highly immunocompromised and at a significant risk of infection, making this the highest priority action.
C. Administering antiemetics and assessing nutrition and hydration are important for managing symptoms, but they do not address the immediate risk of infection associated with severe neutropenia.
D. Monitoring energy levels and implementing energy-conserving techniques are important for overall care but do not address the urgent need to protect the client from infections due to their neutropenic status.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Inserting a new indwelling urinary catheter could introduce new pathogens and increase the risk of infection rather than reduce it. Indwelling catheters are a known risk factor for urinary tract infections and should be avoided if possible.
B. Collecting blood cultures is an important diagnostic step, especially if sepsis is suspected. However, this action alone does not directly reduce the risk of septic shock. It is a part of the process but not the most immediate intervention.
C. Initiating intravenous (IV) antibiotics is the most critical intervention to reduce the risk of septic shock. Prompt administration of antibiotics can help control the infection before it progresses to sepsis, making this the priority action.
D. Obtaining placement of an intravenous access for fluid administration is necessary for managing sepsis or septic shock, but the first step should be administering antibiotics to treat the infection causing the sepsis. Fluid administration supports blood pressure and circulation but does not directly address the underlying infection.

A. Place the client on protective isolation. B. Initiate measures to prevent venous thromboembolism. C. Initiate droplet precautions. D. Check the client's most recent platelet level.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Protective isolation is not directly related to the symptoms of ecchymoses and petechiae but is more relevant for preventing infections in immunocompromised clients.
B. Measures to prevent venous thromboembolism are not the immediate concern given the bleeding symptoms; instead, managing platelet levels and bleeding risks is more critical.
C. Droplet precautions are not indicated based on the described symptoms, which are more related to bleeding disorders rather than infectious conditions requiring droplet precautions.
D. Checking the client's most recent platelet level is the most appropriate action because ecchymoses and petechiae are signs of potential thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), which is common in leukemia. Monitoring platelet levels will help determine if there is a need for interventions to address bleeding risks.

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A client with acute lymphocytic leukemia received induction chemotherapy. The client's absolute neutrophil count is zero, and the client is experiencing fatigue and mild nausea. Which nursing action is the highest priority?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

An immunocompromised older adult has developed a urinary tract infection, and the healthcare team recognizes the need to prevent an exacerbation of the client's infection that could result in sepsis and septic shock. What action should the nurse perform to reduce the client's risk of septic shock?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has been diagnosed with leukemia. The nurse's most recent assessment reveals the presence of ecchymoses on the client's sacral area and petechiae on the forearms. Based on the most recent assessment findings, the nurse should perform which action?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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