Which finding will the nurse expect in a patient who is hospitalized with stage I Hodgkin lymphoma?

Choice A rationale:

Restricting all visitors might be beneficial in preventing infections, but it is not the most important strategy for a patient with neutropenia. The main concern is the risk of infections due to the compromised immune system.

Choice B rationale:

Placing the patient in a private room is crucial for a neutropenic patient. Neutropenia, characterized by a low absolute neutrophil count (ANC), significantly compromises the patient's immune system, making them highly susceptible to infections. Isolating the patient helps minimize the risk of exposure to pathogens, reducing the likelihood of infections.

Choice C rationale:

Using an electric shaver instead of a razor is advisable to prevent cuts and minimize the risk of skin infections. While this is a good practice, it is not the most important strategy compared to isolating the patient and using personal protective equipment (PPE) during direct patient care.

Choice D rationale:

Wearing a gown and gloves when in direct contact with the patient is essential to prevent the spread of infections. This is a necessary measure, but isolating the patient in a private room takes precedence as it minimizes the risk of exposure to pathogens, providing a safer environment for the neutropenic patient.

The correct answer is Choice D. Then start with Choice A rationale:

Choice A is incorrect because it representsmetabolic alkalosis, not respiratory alkalosis. Metabolic alkalosis occurs when there is a primary increase in the bicarbonate (HCO3) level, which causes the pH to rise above the normal range (7.35-7.45). The PaCO2 is normal in this case, indicating that the respiratory system is not involved in the acid-base imbalance.Some causes of metabolic alkalosis include vomiting, diuretic use, excessive antacid intake, and mineralocorticoid excess1.

Choice B is incorrect because it representsrespiratory acidosis, not respiratory alkalosis. Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is a primary decrease in the PaCO2 level, which causes the pH to fall below the normal range. The HCO3 is normal in this case, indicating that the metabolic system is not involved in the acid-base imbalance.Some causes of respiratory acidosis include hypoventilation, airway obstruction, chest trauma, neuromuscular disorders, and chronic lung diseases2.

Choice C is incorrect because it representsmetabolic acidosis, not respiratory alkalosis. Metabolic acidosis occurs when there is a primary decrease in the HCO3 level, which causes the pH to fall below the normal range. The PaCO2 is normal in this case, indicating that the respiratory system is not involved in the acid-base imbalance.Some causes of metabolic acidosis include diabetic ketoacidosis, lactic acidosis, renal failure, diarrhea, and poisoning3.

Choice D is correct because it representsrespiratory alkalosis. Respiratory alkalosis occurs when there is a primary decrease in the PaCO2 level, which causes the pH to rise above the normal range. The HCO3 is normal in this case, indicating that the metabolic system is not involved in the acid-base imbalance. Some causes of respiratory alkalosis include hyperventilation, anxiety, panic, fever, pain, tumor, trauma, severe anemia, liver disease, overdose of certain medicines, pulmonary embolism, pregnancy, and any lung disease that leads to shortness of breath . Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by symptoms such as breathlessness, dizziness, numbness, tingling, muscle spasms, chest discomfort, confusion, and fainting.