Which potential complication would the nurse identify as a high risk for a patient admitted to the hospital with pancytopenia? Select all that apply.

Choice A reason: Teaching the spouse how to assist with transfers and mobility is important for long-term care, but it is not the highest priority at this moment. The focus should be on immediate patient care and assessment.
Choice B reason: Collaborating with physical therapy for gait training is essential for improving the patient's mobility and safety, but it can be scheduled after addressing more urgent needs.
Choice C reason: Monitoring for dysphagia during meals is crucial to prevent aspiration, especially in patients with Parkinson's disease. However, this is a part of ongoing care and not necessarily the immediate priority unless the patient is actively eating.
Choice D reason: Assessing the patient's response to Carbidopa-Levodopa is the highest priority because it directly impacts the patient's overall symptom management. Effective control of Parkinson's symptoms can improve mobility, reduce rigidity, and decrease the risk of complications such as falls and dysphagia.
Choice E reason: Encouraging regular high-calorie, nutrient-dense snacks is important for maintaining the patient's nutritional status, but it is not the immediate priority in comparison to evaluating the effectiveness of medication management.

Choice A reason:
Monitoring for signs of dehydration is essential because Mr. Carter's symptoms (fatigue, nausea, and jaundice) and laboratory results indicate acute hepatitis A, which can cause significant fluid loss due to nausea and reduced oral intake. Assessing hydration status ensures timely intervention to prevent complications such as hypovolemia. Additionally, high bilirubin levels and elevated liver enzymes suggest hepatic dysfunction, which may impair the body's ability to maintain fluid balance.
Choice B reason:
Educating Mr. Carter on proper hand hygiene is crucial to prevent the transmission of hepatitis A, which is highly contagious and spreads via the fecal-oral route. Since Mr. Carter has recently traveled to an area with poor sanitation, providing education on hygiene practices is an immediate priority to protect others. Proper handwashing with soap and clean water significantly reduces the risk of spreading the infection.
Choice C reason:
Encouraging a high-protein diet to repair liver damage is not appropriate during the acute phase of hepatitis A. Protein metabolism requires significant liver function, which is impaired in Mr. Carter’s case due to elevated ALT and AST levels. Emphasizing adequate hydration and balanced nutrition (without overloading the liver with protein) is more suitable. Dietary recommendations for hepatitis A focus on small, frequent meals and avoiding foods that burden liver function.
Choice D reason:
Administering intravenous antibiotics is unnecessary because hepatitis A is a viral infection, not bacterial. Antibiotics do not address viral infections and would not benefit Mr. Carter’s recovery. Supportive care, including hydration, rest, and symptom management, is the mainstay of treatment for viral hepatitis A.
Choice E reason:
Advising rest and limiting physical activity is vital to support Mr. Carter’s recovery. Fatigue and jaundice indicate that his liver is under significant strain, and rest helps reduce metabolic demands on the liver, allowing it to heal more effectively. Light activity may be reintroduced as symptoms improve, but physical exertion should be avoided during the acute phase.
Choice F reason:
Educating the patient about the need for lifelong hepatitis A vaccination is unnecessary because recovery from hepatitis A usually provides lifelong immunity. Vaccination is more relevant for individuals who are at risk and have not been exposed to the virus. Mr. Carter’s current care plan should focus on managing the acute phase of the disease and preventing transmission to others.