The nurse analyzes the laboratory values of a pediatric client with leukemia who is receiving chemotherapy. The nurse notes the following lab values: platelets 19,500/mcl (nl. 140,000-400,000/mcL), hemoglobin 11 g/dL (nl. 12-16 g/dL), white blood cell count 9,800/mcl (nl. 5,000-10,000/mcL). Based on these findings, which intervention should the nurse prioritize in the plan of care?
Monitoring closely for signs of infection.
Transfusing packed red blood cells.
Administering intravenous immunoglobulins.
Initiating bleeding precautions.
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale:
A. Monitoring for infection is important, but the white blood cell count is within normal limits, so it is not the immediate priority.
B. Although the hemoglobin is slightly low, it is not critically low, so transfusion of packed red blood cells is not immediately necessary.
C. Intravenous immunoglobulins are not indicated based on the current lab values.
D. The platelet count is critically low, placing the client at high risk for bleeding. Initiating bleeding precautions is the priority to prevent hemorrhage.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Passing tar-like stools is normal for newborns within the first few days of life and does not indicate Hirschsprung disease.
B. Limited stooling and poor weight gain may suggest feeding issues but are not as indicative of Hirschsprung disease as the absence of stool.
C. The absence of stool (failure to pass meconium within 24-48 hours) is a classic sign of Hirschsprung disease, a condition where the absence of ganglion cells in the intestines leads to a blockage.
D. Passing hard, pellet-like stools may indicate constipation but is not specific to Hirschsprung disease, especially in a newborn.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Prone positioning is not recommended post-operatively for abdominal surgery and could exacerbate respiratory issues.
B. While monitoring white blood cell count is important, encouraging lung expansion and preventing complications such as atelectasis is a more immediate priority.
C. The client's pain rating is low and does not necessitate immediate administration of acetaminophen.
D. Encouraging the use of an incentive spirometer helps improve lung expansion, which is crucial to prevent atelectasis and promote proper oxygenation, particularly when breath sounds are diminished.