Nursing care of a child who is immunosuppressed due to leukemia or chemotherapeutic agents should include:

(choose one best answer)

Choice A reason: This choice is correct because a child who has nephrotic syndrome is the most appropriate roommate for a child who has leukemia. Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder that causes proteinuria, edema, hypoalbuminemia, and hyperlipidemia. It does not pose any risk of infection or injury to the child who has leukemia, and it does not require any isolation or special precautions. Therefore, placing these two children in the same room can help to conserve resources and promote socialization.

Choice B reason: This choice is incorrect because a child recovering from a ruptured appendix is not an appropriate roommate for a child who has leukemia. A ruptured appendix is a medical emergency that occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed and bursts, releasing bacteria and pus into the abdominal cavity. It may cause peritonitis, sepsis, or abscess formation, and it requires surgery and antibiotics. It may pose a risk of infection to a child who has leukemia, who has a weakened immune system due to chemotherapy or bone marrow suppression. Therefore, placing these two children in the same room can increase the chance of cross-contamination and complications.

Choice C reason: This choice is incorrect because a child who has rheumatic fever is not an appropriate roommate for a child who has leukemia. Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that occurs as a complication of streptococcal infection, such as strep throat or scarlet fever. It may affect the heart, joints, skin, or nervous system, and it requires anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medications. It may pose a risk of infection to the child who has leukemia, who has a compromised immune system due to cancer or treatment. Therefore, placing these two children in the same room can increase the likelihood of transmission and infection.

Choice D reason: This choice is incorrect because a child who has cystic fibrosis is not an appropriate roommate for a child who has leukemia. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the mucus glands of the lungs, pancreas, liver, intestines, and reproductive organs. It causes thick and sticky mucus to build up in the organs, leading to chronic lung infections, pancreatic insufficiency, malnutrition, and infertility. It requires respiratory therapy, enzyme supplements, nutritional support, and antibiotics. It may pose a risk of infection to the child who has leukemia, who has a reduced ability to fight germs due to malignancy or therapy. Therefore, placing these two children in the same room can increase the possibility of exposure and infection.

Choice A reason: This choice is incorrect because limiting intake of high-protein foods is not a method of preventing iron deficiency anemia. High-protein foods are foods that contain a large amount of protein, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, beans, nuts, or seeds. Protein is a nutrient that helps to build and repair body tissues and support immune function. It may also provide iron, which is a mineral that helps to produce hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells. Therefore, limiting intake of high-protein foods may reduce iron intake and increase the risk of iron deficiency anemia.

Choice B reason: This choice is correct because mom should continue prenatal vitamins if breastfeeding or formula with an iron supplement is a method of preventing iron deficiency anemia. Prenatal vitamins are supplements that contain various vitamins and minerals that are essential for pregnant or lactating women and their babies. They may include iron, which helps to prevent maternal and infant anemia. Formula with an iron supplement is a type of infant formula that contains added iron to meet the nutritional needs of infants who are not breastfed or partially breastfed. Therefore, mom should continue prenatal vitamins if breastfeeding or formula with an iron supplement can help to provide adequate iron intake and prevent iron deficiency anemia.

Choice C reason: This choice is incorrect because administering fat-soluble vitamins daily is not a method of preventing iron deficiency anemia. Fat-soluble vitamins are vitamins that dissolve in fat and can be stored in the body, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K. They have various functions such as maintaining vision, bone health, skin health, and blood clotting. They do not have a direct role in preventing iron deficiency anemia.

Choice D reason: This choice is incorrect because including fluoridated water in the toddler's diet is not a method of preventing iron deficiency anemia. Fluoridated water is water that contains fluoride, which is a substance that helps to prevent tooth decay and cavities. It does not have a direct role in preventing iron deficiency anemia.