A nurse is providing education to a client recently diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The client asks, "How does CLL differ from other types of leukemia?" How should the nurse respond?

A) This choice is incorrect because administering pain medication for bone pain is important for the client's comfort, but it is not the priority in this situation. Neutropenia is characterized by a low neutrophil count, which can lead to an increased risk of infection.

B) This choice is incorrect because while monitoring for signs of bleeding or bruising is essential for a client with thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), it is not the priority in this scenario. Neutropenia increases the risk of infection, which is the primary concern.

C) This choice is correct. Implementing strict isolation precautions is the priority for a client with neutropenia. Neutropenia results in a decreased ability to fight off infections, so measures to prevent exposure to potential pathogens are crucial in reducing the risk of infection.

D) This choice is incorrect because avoiding invasive procedures and injections is a precaution for clients with thrombocytopenia, not specifically neutropenia. While both conditions involve low blood cell counts, the risk of infection is the primary concern in neutropenia.

Questions

A) This choice is incorrect because CLL specifically involves the overproduction of abnormal lymphocytes, not myeloid cells. Myeloid cells are affected in other types of leukemia, such as AML.

B) This choice is incorrect because CLL is a chronic and indolent type of leukemia. It has a slow onset and progresses slowly over time, unlike some other leukemias that may have a more rapid course.

C) This choice is correct. In CLL, abnormal lymphocytes, mainly B-lymphocytes, accumulate in the bone marrow and interfere with the production of other blood cells, including red blood cells, platelets, and other white blood cells.

D) This choice is incorrect because CLL does not involve a genetic mutation leading to uncontrolled growth of red blood cells. That description is more characteristic of polycythemia vera, a different type of blood disorder.