A newly diagnosed teenage girl with scoliosis asks the nurse what is Cobb’s angle? You know the nurse’s answer is correct when she says this:

Choice A reason: Neutropenia, a low neutrophil count from chemotherapy, increases infection risk in leukemia patients. Restricting visitors with communicable illnesses minimizes exposure to pathogens, as neutrophils are critical for fighting infections. This action protects the immunocompromised patient, reducing the likelihood of hospital-acquired infections like pneumonia or sepsis.

Choice B reason: Replacing hand hygiene with gloves is inappropriate, as hand hygiene is essential to prevent infection transmission in neutropenic patients. Gloves complement, not replace, hand washing, which removes pathogens effectively. This choice fails to address the heightened infection risk in leukemia patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Choice C reason: Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter increases infection risk, particularly urinary tract infections, in neutropenic patients, who lack sufficient neutrophils to combat bacteria. Catheters breach natural barriers, making this action harmful rather than protective for a leukemia patient with compromised immunity post-chemotherapy.

Choice D reason: Restricting fluid intake is not indicated for neutropenic patients, as adequate hydration supports immune function and overall health. Dehydration can exacerbate complications in leukemia patients undergoing chemotherapy. This action does not address infection prevention, the primary concern in neutropenia management.

Choice A reason: Catheter care is procedural, not a physiological result reflecting dehydration status. While catheters may be used, documenting care does not directly monitor the effects of severe dehydration, like fluid balance or respiratory changes, making this choice incorrect.

Choice B reason: Oxygen saturation may be normal in dehydration unless complicated by other conditions. It is not a primary indicator of dehydration, which primarily affects fluid volume and electrolytes, making it less critical than respiratory rate and intake/output.

Choice C reason: Respiratory rate is a critical result in severe dehydration, as compensatory hyperventilation may occur to correct acid-base imbalances like metabolic acidosis from hypoperfusion. Documenting this monitors the body’s response to fluid loss, making this a correct choice.

Choice D reason: Intake/output is essential in severe dehydration to track fluid balance. Accurate documentation of fluid intake and urine output assesses rehydration effectiveness and kidney function, critical for managing dehydration, making this a correct choice.