A client with leukemia is receiving chemotherapy. The nurse observes the client is weak, pale, and febrile. After reviewing the client's most recent laboratory results which reveals a platelet count of 25,000/mm3 (25 x 10^9/L), which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Monitor urine and stool for occult blood regularly.
Ensure a large gauge catheter is used to obtain blood samples.
Remove cold and frozen foods from dietary trays.
Wrap bruised areas with elastic bandage dressings.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Monitoring for occult blood in urine and stool is crucial in clients with low platelet counts to detect any potential bleeding early, as they are at increased risk of bleeding due to thrombocytopenia.
B. Using a large gauge catheter may be necessary for some procedures, but it is not the priority intervention regarding the client’s current state and platelet count.
C. Removing cold and frozen foods from dietary trays does not directly address the critical concern of bleeding associated with low platelet levels.
D. While protecting bruised areas is important, it is secondary to monitoring for active bleeding, which is more critical at this stage.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Selecting another finger is the best action to prevent discomfort and ensure an accurate blood sample. The reddened and engorged tip may indicate that milking the finger caused bruising or altered blood flow, which can affect the glucose reading.
B. Applying pressure to the site may be appropriate after collecting a sample, but it does not address the issue of obtaining an accurate sample from an engorged finger.
C. Assessing radial pulse volume is not relevant in this situation and does not address the problem at hand.
D. Collecting the blood sample from a reddened and engorged finger could yield an inaccurate result, so it is better to select a different finger.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Immediately after the patient has been medicated for pain.
While pain relief may help, education should be conducted when the patient is alert and comfortable, not immediately after pain medication when they may be drowsy.
B. The last thing in the evening, after visitors have left, before bedtime. Education right before bedtime may not be effective if the patient is tired, as retention and attention may be reduced.
C. When the patient is comfortable and receptive to the patient education.
Teaching should occur when the patient is comfortable, alert, and receptive to ensure they can retain and understand the information.
D. Just before the patient is discharged, so the information is current.
Waiting until discharge could overwhelm the patient, and they may not have time to ask questions or clarify information.