A nurse is reviewing the complete blood count results for a child who is receiving treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the treatment is having a therapeutic effect?
The count of White Blood Cells is 20,000/mm
Hemoglobin level is at 5.5 g/dL
The count of Platelets is 150,000/mm
The count of Red Blood Cells is 3/mm
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is C.
Choice A reason: A White Blood Cell (WBC) count of 20,000/mm³ is significantly higher than the normal range for children, which is typically between 5,000 to 10,000/mm³. In the context of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a high WBC count could indicate an active disease process or a reaction to treatment, rather than a therapeutic effect.
Choice B reason: A hemoglobin level of 5.5 g/dL is quite low, as the normal range for children is generally between 11 to 16 g/dL. This level of hemoglobin suggests anemia, which is a common condition in patients with leukemia due to the disease itself or as a side effect of chemotherapy. It does not necessarily indicate that the treatment is having a therapeutic effect.
Choice C reason: A Platelet count of 150,000/mm³ is within the lower end of the normal range for children, which is approximately 150,000 to 450,000/mm³. This can be considered a sign that the treatment is working effectively, as it indicates bone marrow recovery and the production of platelets is returning to normal levels.
Choice D reason: A Red Blood Cell (RBC) count of 3/mm³ is extremely low. The normal range for children’s RBC count is about 4 million to 5.5 million/mm³. Such a low RBC count would indicate severe anemia and is not a sign of effective treatment for ALL.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Applying a warm pack to the injection site prior to administration is not recommended as it does not effectively reduce pain during immunizations.
Choice B rationale
Asking the parent to leave the room during the injections is not recommended as it may increase the infant’s anxiety and distress.
Choice C rationale
Administering the injections in the deltoid muscle is not recommended for a 2-month-old infant. The recommended site for intramuscular administration of immunizations in children under 18 months of age is the vastus lateralis (anterolateral thigh)3.
Choice D rationale
Administering the injections while the infant is breastfeeding is recommended. Breastfeeding during immunizations has been shown to significantly reduce pain and distress in infants.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
For a lumbar puncture, the child should be placed in the lateral position. This position allows for better access to the spinal canal, which is necessary for a lumbar puncture.
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