A nurse is planning care for a client who has an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) less than 1,000/mm3. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?
Increase raw produce in the client's diet.
Limit visitors to healthy adults.
Instruct the client to floss his teeth daily.
Take the client's rectal temperature each day.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Increase raw produce in the client's diet. Clients with an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) <1,000/mm³ are at high risk for infection due to neutropenia. Raw produce, including fruits and vegetables, may contain bacteria or fungi that could lead to infections. These clients should follow a neutropenic diet, which includes cooked foods and avoids raw or undercooked items.
B. Limit visitors to healthy adults. This is the most appropriate intervention. Clients with severe neutropenia (ANC <1,000/mm³) have a significantly weakened immune system and are highly susceptible to infections. Restricting visitors to only healthy adults reduces the risk of exposure to pathogens. Additionally, visitors should follow proper hand hygiene and wear a mask if necessary to prevent transmission of infectious agents.
C. Instruct the client to floss his teeth daily. Flossing can cause minor gum trauma, increasing the risk of bacterial entry and infection in neutropenic clients. Instead of flossing, the client should use a soft toothbrush and practice gentle oral hygiene to minimize the risk of oral mucosal injury and subsequent infection.
D. Take the client's rectal temperature each day. Rectal temperature measurement is contraindicated in neutropenic clients due to the risk of mucosal injury and bacterial translocation, which can lead to bloodstream infections (bacteremia). Instead, the client’s temperature should be monitored using an oral or tympanic thermometer to detect early signs of infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. A room with air exhaust directly to the outdoor environment. Clients with active tuberculosis (TB) require airborne precautions, which include placement in a negativepressure room with air exhaust directed outside to prevent the spread of infectious particles. This setup ensures that contaminated air does not circulate into other areas of the hospital.
B. A room in the ICU. The ICU is not an appropriate placement unless the client has severe respiratory distress or critical complications. TB patients should be isolated in a dedicated airborne infection isolation room (AIIR) rather than in an ICU, where other critically ill patients are at risk of exposure.
C. A room that is within view of the nurses' station. Proximity to the nurses' station is not a priority for TB management. Infection control measures, including negativepressure ventilation and airborne isolation, are far more important in reducing transmission risk.
D. A room with another nonsurgical client. TB is highly contagious, and placing the client in a shared room violates infection control protocols. Clients with active TB must be in a private, negativepressure room to prevent airborne transmission to others.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Avoid crowds. Clients with neutropenia have a significantly increased risk of infection due to a reduced neutrophil count, which impairs the immune response. Avoiding crowds helps minimize exposure to pathogens, reducing the risk of opportunistic infections. Clients should also practice hand hygiene, wear a mask in public places, and avoid close contact with sick individuals.
B. Take temperature weekly. Clients with neutropenia should monitor their temperature at least once daily, not weekly. A fever (≥100.4°F or 38°C) may be the only early sign of infection, which requires immediate medical attention due to the risk of sepsis.
C. Perform mild exercise, such as gardening. While mild exercise can promote overall wellbeing, gardening poses an infection risk due to exposure to soil, which may contain fungi, bacteria, and other pathogens (e.g., Aspergillus species). Clients should avoid activities that increase the risk of infection.
D. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Raw or unwashed fruits and vegetables can harbor bacteria and fungi, increasing infection risk. Clients with neutropenia should consume fully cooked foods, avoid raw produce, and follow proper food handling practices to prevent foodborne illnesses.
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