A nurse is collecting data from a client who has leukemia. Which of the following findings has the highest priority?
Hematocrit 35% (F 37% -47%; M 42%-52%)
Bone pain
Weight loss
Platelet count 125.000/mm3 (150,000-400,000)
The Correct Answer is D
A. Hematocrit 35% (F 37%–47%; M 42%–52%): Although the hematocrit is slightly low, it is not as concerning as a low platelet count, which poses an immediate risk for bleeding.
B. Bone pain: Bone pain is common in leukemia due to bone marrow expansion, but it does not take priority over the risk of bleeding from thrombocytopenia.
C. Weight loss: Weight loss may be a symptom of leukemia, but it is not immediately life-threatening and does not take priority over a low platelet count that increases bleeding risk.
D. Platelet count 125,000/mm³ (150,000–400,000): A low platelet count is concerning in leukemia patients because it increases the risk of bleeding. Monitoring for and preventing bleeding is a high priority due to thrombocytopenia associated with leukemia.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Pulmonary congestion: Pulmonary congestion is associated more with fluid overload or transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO), not an acute hemolytic reaction.
B. Urticaria: Urticaria (hives) is more typical of a mild allergic reaction rather than an acute hemolytic reaction.
C. Vomiting: Although nausea and vomiting may occur in various transfusion reactions, it is not specific to an acute hemolytic reaction like low back pain is.
D. Low back pain: Low back pain, often around the kidneys, is a classic sign of an acute hemolytic reaction due to the breakdown of RBCs and the release of hemoglobin into the bloodstream, which can lead to renal damage. This reaction is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Results indicate the presence of Reed Sternberg cells: Reed-Sternberg cells are a defining characteristic of Hodgkin disease, a type of lymphoma. Their presence in biopsy samples confirms the diagnosis, distinguishing Hodgkin disease from other types of lymphomas and leukemias.
B. The patient is cyanotic: Cyanosis, or bluish skin discoloration due to low oxygen levels, is not a common sign of Hodgkin disease. It may occur in advanced disease due to respiratory compromise but is not a defining characteristic.
C. The patient is complaining of excessive thirst and hunger: Excessive thirst and hunger are more characteristic of diabetes mellitus, not Hodgkin disease. These symptoms are unrelated to the lymphatic involvement seen in Hodgkin disease.
D. Results indicate the presence of the Philadelphia chromosome: The Philadelphia chromosome is a genetic abnormality associated with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), not Hodgkin disease. Its presence suggests a different hematologic malignancy.