The nurse includes the problem of “Risk for infection” in the plan of care for a client with myelosuppression. Which laboratory value provides the greatest support for this nursing problem?

Reference Range: Hemoglobin (Hgb) [14 to 18 g/dL (8.69 to 11.17 mmol/L)], Hematocrit (Hct) [42% to 52% (0.42 to 0.52 volume fraction)], Red Blood Cell Count (RBC) [4.2 to 5.4 x 10⁶/µL (4.2 to 5.4 x 10¹²/L)], White Blood Cell (WBC) [5,000 to 10,000/mm³ (5 to 10 x 10⁹/L)].

Choice A reason: Administering an IV narcotic masks pain without addressing its cause. Pain at the PCI site may indicate hematoma or arterial injury, common post-PCI due to vessel trauma and tirofiban’s antiplatelet effects. Assessing the site identifies bleeding, critical to prevent complications like hemorrhage before providing analgesia.

Choice B reason: Adjusting the compression device without assessment risks worsening a hematoma, as excessive pressure impairs flow, while insufficient pressure fails to control bleeding. Tirofiban increases bleeding risk. Assessing for hematoma ensures proper management, preventing vascular complications, making adjustment premature without confirming the pain’s cause.

Choice C reason: Turning to a left side-lying position does not address PCI site pain, potentially from hematoma or arterial injury. Post-PCI, supine positioning minimizes site stress. Assessing for hematoma, exacerbated by tirofiban’s anticoagulation, is critical to detect bleeding, preventing complications like retroperitoneal hemorrhage over positional changes.

Choice D reason: Assessing the femoral PCI site for hematoma is essential, as pain may indicate bleeding, common post-PCI with tirofiban’s platelet inhibition. Hematoma can compress vessels, causing ischemia or rupture, requiring urgent intervention like compression or surgery. This addresses the pathophysiological risk, ensuring vascular stability and patient safety.

Choice A reason: Evaluating urinary output hourly monitors renal function post-ureterolithotomy, as obstruction or complications may reduce output. However, urine leakage around the catheter suggests dislodgement or ureteral injury, risking peritonitis or infection. Reporting leakage is more urgent, as it indicates a critical catheter malfunction requiring immediate medical attention.

Choice B reason: Clamping the ureteral catheter risks obstructing urine flow, increasing pressure and causing ureteral damage or reflux, potentially leading to hydronephrosis or infection. Leakage around the catheter is a more pressing issue, indicating possible perforation or displacement, necessitating urgent reporting to prevent severe complications.

Choice C reason: Securing the catheter prevents dislodgement but is routine. Urine leakage suggests a critical issue like catheter malfunction or ureteral injury, which could cause peritonitis or fistula. Reporting leakage takes precedence, as it addresses a potentially life-threatening complication, ensuring timely intervention over standard catheter care.

Choice D reason: Reporting urine leakage is critical, as it may indicate catheter displacement or ureteral perforation, risking peritonitis or infection. Leakage suggests the catheter fails to drain urine properly, a serious post-surgical issue requiring immediate assessment, potentially via imaging or surgical correction, to prevent renal or systemic complications.