A nurse is assessing a client suspected of having leukemia. Which laboratory test is a definitive diagnostic tool to confirm leukemia?

A) This choice is incorrect because alcohol-based mouthwash can further irritate the mucosal lining and worsen mucositis. It should be avoided.

B) This choice is incorrect because ice chips and cold beverages may provide temporary relief, but pain medication is the priority intervention to manage severe mucositis and alleviate discomfort.

C) This choice is correct. Administering prescribed pain medications, such as topical analgesics or systemic pain relief, is essential in managing the severe pain associated with mucositis.

D) This choice is incorrect because spicy foods can aggravate mucositis and should be avoided to prevent further irritation of the mucosal lining.

A) This choice is incorrect because a complete blood count (CBC) provides information about the number of blood cells, but it does not directly assess the bone marrow for leukemia.

B) This choice is correct. Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy involve the collection of bone marrow samples from the sternum or hip bone. These samples are then analyzed to determine the presence of leukemia cells, assess cell morphology, and determine the type of leukemia.

C) This choice is incorrect because flow cytometry analysis is used to identify specific markers on the surface of cells and can aid in diagnosing and classifying leukemia. However, it is not the primary test used to assess the bone marrow directly.

D) This choice is incorrect because magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is not commonly used to assess bone marrow in the diagnostic evaluation of leukemia.