The nursing team is reviewing the care plan for a patient having ileostomy surgery that day. One of the postoperative patient problems is risk for deficient fluid volume. What does the Licensed Practical Nurse know is the reason for this risk?

Rationale:

A. Agranulocytosis is an extreme decrease in neutrophils, which increases the risk of infection. Invasive procedures are not specifically minimized for bleeding risk but rather infection control measures are prioritized.

B. Leukopenia (low white blood cell count) increases susceptibility to infection, so precautions focus on protecting from infection, not necessarily minimizing invasive procedures due to bleeding.

C. Anemia (low red blood cell count) primarily affects oxygen-carrying capacity, leading to fatigue or dyspnea. It does not directly increase the risk of bleeding, so invasive procedures are not minimized solely for anemia.

D. Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) increases the risk of bleeding and bruising. Minimizing invasive procedures such as injections, IV insertions, or rectal exams is critical to prevent hemorrhage or hematoma formation. This is why patients with thrombocytopenia require careful handling and sometimes platelet transfusions before necessary invasive interventions.

Rationale:

A. Prostate cancer is often detected early through routine screening such as PSA testing and digital rectal exams. While it is common, it is usually slow-growing, and mortality rates are relatively low compared to cancers that are harder to detect early.

B. Pancreatic cancer is frequently missed or diagnosed late because early stages are often asymptomatic or present with vague symptoms like abdominal discomfort, weight loss, or jaundice. This delayed diagnosis contributes to its high mortality rate, making it a critical example to include in nurse training.

C. Most common skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are easily detected through visual inspection and are highly treatable, resulting in low mortality rates. Although melanoma is more serious, it is less commonly missed when routine skin exams are performed.

D. Breast cancer is widely screened through mammography, and awareness campaigns have improved early detection. While it is a common cancer, mortality rates are lower due to early diagnosis and treatment.