A client with leukemia who is receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy has a platelet count of 25,000/mm3 (25 x 109/L). Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in this client's plan of care?
Reference Range:
Platelet Count [150,000 to 400,000/mm3 (156 400 x 109/L)]
Assess urine and stool for occult blood.
Obtain client's temperature every 4 hours.
Monitor for signs of activity intolerance
Require visitors to wear respiratory masks.
The Correct Answer is A
A) Correct- With a significantly low platelet count, the risk of bleeding is elevated. Assessing urine and stool for occult (hidden) blood is important to detect any signs of internal bleeding that may not be immediately apparent. A low platelet count increases the risk of spontaneous bleeding, which can be life-threatening if undetected.
B) Incorrect- This choice is related to neutropenia, not thrombocytopenia. Neutropenia, or low neutrophil count, increases the risk of infection, which is why monitoring temperature frequently is important.
C) Incorrect- Monitoring for signs of activity intolerance is not directly related to the low platelet count. The primary concern with thrombocytopenia is the risk of bleeding, not generalized activity intolerance.
D) Incorrect- Requiring visitors to wear respiratory masks is not relevant to the client's current condition of low platelet count. This action is related to infection control and protection from respiratory infections.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The presence of purulent drainage at the wound indicates a potential infection, and monitoring the client's WBC count is an important laboratory value to assess for signs of infection. An elevated WBC count, specifically an increase in the neutrophil count (neutrophilia), can indicate an active infection and provide important information for the healthcare provider when evaluating the wound.
While hematocrit, platelet count, and creatinine level are essential laboratory values to assess the client's overall condition, they may not provide specific information regarding the presence of infection or purulent drainage at the wound site.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The client with Addison's disease is experiencing weakness, confusion, and dehydration, which can be indicative of an adrenal crisis. The low sodium level (129 mEq/L) and low glucose level (54 mg/dl) further support this suspicion. An acute viral infection can trigger an adrenal crisis in individuals with Addison's disease.

Intravenous hydrocortisone, a glucocorticoid, is the treatment of choice for managing an adrenal crisis. It helps to replenish cortisol levels and stabilize the client's condition.
Hydrocortisone helps in restoring the body's stress response and regulating electrolyte and glucose levels.
A broad-spectrum antibiotic may be necessary if there is evidence of a bacterial infection, but it does not directly address the symptoms associated with Addison's disease.
Regular insulin is used for managing high blood glucose levels in conditions such as diabetes, but in this case, the client has low glucose levels, so insulin is not the appropriate intervention.
Potassium chloride is a medication used to treat low potassium levels (hypokalemia), but the client's potassium level is within the reference range (5.3 mEq/L). Therefore, potassium chloride is not indicated in this situation.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
