The nurse is following up with a male client diagnosed 3 months ago with erectile dysfunction who attempted lifestyle modifications as the first line of treatment.
The client reports having continued symptoms.
The nurse should discuss which of the following types of treatment with the client next?

Choice A rationale

Fatigue can occur in thrombocytopenia due to associated bleeding or anemia, but it is not a hallmark symptom specific to low platelet counts alone. Fatigue relates more to overall systemic effects or concurrent conditions rather than isolated thrombocytopenia. Hemorrhage and petechiae, however, are more directly correlated with reduced platelets in circulation, which compromise clotting and vascular integrity.

Choice B rationale

Hemorrhage is a major concern in thrombocytopenia due to severely reduced platelet counts. Normal platelet levels range from 150,000–450,000/mm³, and values of 18,000/mm³ indicate critical impairment in clot formation, increasing the risk of spontaneous bleeding. Hemorrhagic events in vital organs pose life-threatening consequences, making monitoring and interventions essential to minimize complications associated with uncontrolled bleeding.

Choice C rationale

Petechiae are pinpoint hemorrhages visible on the skin or mucosal surfaces, indicating capillary bleeding due to insufficient platelet-mediated clotting. Normal platelet levels maintain vascular integrity by enabling clot formation, which prevents such microvascular bleeding. Platelet counts as low as 18,000/mm³ lead to abnormal hemorrhagic manifestations, making petechiae a frequent and observable sign in severe thrombocytopenia cases.

Choice D rationale

Headache can occur with thrombocytopenia if intracranial hemorrhage develops, but it is not an expected symptom in all cases. While bleeding risks elevate overall concerns, headache depends on specific organ involvement. Petechiae and systemic hemorrhage are primary symptoms associated with low platelet levels. Headaches without evidence of bleeding do not distinctly correlate with thrombocytopenia diagnosis.

Choice A rationale

Teaching preventive measures, like proper hydration and hygiene, is integral for long-term UTI management but not the immediate clinical priority. Effective prevention helps reduce recurrence rates but does not address acute infection or associated complications during the current episode.

Choice B rationale

Preventing progression to complications takes priority in lower UTIs. This includes early and appropriate antibiotic therapy to inhibit bacterial proliferation and monitoring for symptoms suggestive of an ascending infection. Left untreated, lower UTIs can progress to pyelonephritis, a serious condition that increases morbidity.

Choice C rationale

Educating about treatment ensures compliance with the prescribed antibiotics and symptom management strategies. While necessary, client education is more aligned with secondary interventions after addressing the urgent need to prevent complications from the infection itself.

Choice D rationale

Pain management is important to alleviate discomfort and improve the client’s quality of life. However, addressing pain without resolving the underlying infection risks further complications. Thus, pain control, while valuable, is not the critical first-line intervention for preventing clinical deterioration. .