A nurse is admitting a child who has leukemia and a critically low platelet count. Which of the following precautions should the nurse initiate?
Neutropenic
Droplet
Bleeding
Contact
The Correct Answer is C
A. Neutropenic Precautions: Neutropenia refers to a low neutrophil count, a type of white blood cell responsible for fighting infections. While children with leukemia are at risk for neutropenia due to the disease and its treatment, the primary concern in this scenario is the critically low platelet count and the risk of bleeding. Neutropenic precautions focus on preventing infections.
B. Droplet Precautions: Droplet precautions are used when dealing with respiratory infections that are transmitted through respiratory droplets, such as coughing or sneezing. This is not the primary concern for a child with leukemia and a low platelet count, as the main risk is bleeding due to the low platelet count.
C. Bleeding Precautions: Leukemia, especially in a child with a critically low platelet count, puts the child at a high risk of bleeding. Platelets are essential for blood clotting, and when they are severely decreased, even minor injuries can lead to excessive bleeding. The nurse should take precautions to minimize the risk of bleeding. This includes avoiding invasive procedures, using a soft toothbrush, and ensuring that the child does not participate in activities that could result in injury.
D. Contact Precautions: Contact precautions are used to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases through direct contact. While a child with leukemia may have a weakened immune system and be at risk of infections, the primary concern in this case is the critically low platelet count and the risk of bleeding. Contact precautions are more relevant in cases of contagious diseases where physical contact could transmit the infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Hemophilia is a genetic bleeding disorder in which the blood does not clot properly. It primarily affects the coagulation factors responsible for clot formation. In individuals with hemophilia, bleeding tends to occur most commonly in the joints, particularly in the large weight-bearing joints like the knees, elbows, and ankles. This is known as hemarthrosis and can lead to significant pain and joint damage.
While bleeding in other areas of the body can occur in hemophilia, such as the muscles or soft tissues, joint bleeding is one of the hallmark features of the condition.
The other options, B (intestines), C (brain), and D (pericardium), are less commonly associated with bleeding in hemophilia. Although bleeding can occur in various locations, joint bleeding is the most characteristic and commonly seen manifestation in individuals with hemophilia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Varying the child's schedule each day may add unnecessary stress and disrupt the child's sense of routine and stability, which is important during a hospitalization.
B. Providing a daily session with a play therapist may be valuable but does not directly address the child's developmental need for competence and mastery.
C. Encourage the client to complete school work.
Erikson's psychosocial stage theory suggests that children at the age of 10 are in the "Industry vs. Inferiority" stage. During this stage, children strive to develop a sense of competence and mastery in various activities. Encouraging the child to complete school work aligns with this stage, as it fosters a sense of accomplishment, competence, and success, which is crucial for their psychosocial development.
D. Discouraging visits from the client's friends would not support the child's social and emotional well-being during the hospitalization, and social connections are important for psychosocial development.
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