A nurse is preparing a teaching plan for a client who is on neutropenic precautions as a result of radiation therapy. Which of the following should the nurse plan to include in the teaching?
Bottled water is an appropriate choice to increase fluid intake.
The salad bar is a healthy choice when dining out.
Soft-boiled eggs are an appropriate source of protein.
Eating at a buffet is a good choice to increase caloric intake.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
Bottled water is often recommended for patients on neutropenic precautions because it is generally free from microorganisms that could cause infections. Neutropenic patients have a reduced ability to fight infections due to low white blood cell counts, making them more vulnerable to contaminants that may be present in untreated or poorly treated water. By choosing bottled water, the patient minimizes the risk of ingesting harmful pathogens that could lead to serious infections. This is a crucial aspect of maintaining the health and safety of neutropenic patients. Additionally, bottled water provides a convenient and reliable way to ensure adequate hydration, which is essential for overall well-being and the body's natural defense mechanisms.
Choice B reason:
The salad bar is not a healthy choice for neutropenic patients due to the potential risk of contamination. Fresh produce, especially when not thoroughly washed, can harbor bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens that neutropenic patients may not be able to adequately defend against. Even if the salad bar appears clean and well-maintained, there is always a risk of cross-contamination from other diners or food handlers. Therefore, it is safer for neutropenic patients to avoid raw fruits and vegetables, particularly those from communal settings like salad bars, to minimize the risk of infection.
Choice C reason:
Soft-boiled eggs are not recommended for neutropenic patients because they are not fully cooked. Undercooked or raw eggs can be a source of harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella, which can cause severe infections in individuals with compromised immune systems. For neutropenic patients, it is important to consume only thoroughly cooked foods to eliminate any potential pathogens. Fully cooked eggs, where both the yolk and white are firm, would be a safer protein source for these patients, ensuring that any harmful bacteria are destroyed during the cooking process.
Choice D reason:
Eating at a buffet is not advisable for neutropenic patients due to the high risk of contamination. Buffets often involve multiple people handling serving utensils and food items, increasing the likelihood of cross-contamination. The communal nature of buffets makes it difficult to maintain strict hygiene standards, which is critical for neutropenic patients. The potential for exposure to pathogens from other diners or improperly maintained food temperatures can pose a significant risk. Therefore, it is safer for neutropenic patients to avoid buffets and opt for individually prepared and served meals to reduce the risk of infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A reason:
Notifying the surgeon that the client wishes to withdraw informed consent for the procedure is correct. The client's autonomy and right to refuse treatment must be respected, and the surgeon should be informed to discuss the client's concerns and possible alternatives.
B reason:
Proceeding with preparation for the surgical procedure without addressing the client's withdrawal of consent violates ethical and legal standards. The client's decision must be honored.
C reason:
Reminding the client that a signed informed consent form is legally binding is incorrect. Informed consent can be withdrawn at any time, and the client's right to change their mind must be respected.
D reason:
Informing the surgical team to cancel the surgery is not the nurse's decision alone. The nurse should first notify the surgeon to ensure that all necessary discussions and documentation occur.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A reason: Wear sterile gloves. Sterile gloves are typically used for invasive procedures or when there is a high risk of infection transmission. While it's important to maintain strict hygiene and infection control when dealing with MRSA, wearing sterile gloves for checking a pulse is not necessary. Sterile gloves are more appropriate for surgical procedures or when directly handling open wounds. In the context of checking a client's pulse, clean gloves are sufficient to prevent the spread of infection.
B reason: Wear an N95 respirator mask. An N95 respirator mask is used to protect against airborne pathogens. MRSA is primarily transmitted through direct contact with contaminated surfaces or person-to-person contact rather than through the air. While respiratory protection is crucial in certain settings, such as for airborne diseases like tuberculosis, it is not required for checking a client's pulse when the primary concern is MRSA. Therefore, this option is not appropriate in this scenario.
C reason: Wear protective eyewear. Protective eyewear is necessary in situations where there is a risk of splashing or exposure to bodily fluids that could enter the eyes. While protective eyewear is an important part of personal protective equipment (PPE), it is not specifically required for checking a client's pulse unless there is an anticipated risk of exposure to bodily fluids. The primary concern with MRSA is skin-to-skin contact or contact with contaminated surfaces, making this option less relevant for the given task.
D reason: Wear clean gloves. Clean gloves are necessary when providing care to any patient, especially one with an infection like MRSA. Wearing clean gloves helps prevent the transmission of bacteria from the healthcare provider to the patient and vice versa. Since MRSA is transmitted via direct contact, clean gloves provide an effective barrier to reduce the risk of spreading the infection. In this scenario, clean gloves are the most appropriate and practical choice for the nurse to use while checking the client's pulse.
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.