Leukemia
Leukemia ( 15 Questions)
Which nursing intervention should the nurse prioritize?
"I will administer platelet transfusions as prescribed." Administering platelet transfusions is an important nursing intervention for a leukemia patient who is at risk for bleeding due to low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia) However, the question specifically asks about infection risk, and platelet transfusions do not address that concern. Platelet transfusions are given to manage bleeding or prevent excessive bleeding, not to prevent or manage infections.
"I will provide supplemental oxygen as needed." Supplemental oxygen may be necessary for leukemia patients who are experiencing respiratory distress, but it does not directly address the patient's risk of infection. In this case, infection risk is the primary concern, and implementing infection control measures should take precedence.
"I will implement neutropenic precautions such as hand hygiene and isolation." Neutropenic precautions are essential for leukemia patients with low neutrophil counts (neutropenia) because they are highly susceptible to infections. Isolation measures, strict hand hygiene, and infection control practices are crucial to reduce the risk of exposure to pathogens. This is the highest priority nursing intervention in this situation, as it directly addresses the patient's risk of infection.
"I will administer erythropoietin to manage anemia." Administering erythropoietin is appropriate for managing anemia in leukemia patients, but it does not address the patient's immediate risk of infection. Anemia and infection are both important considerations in leukemia care, but infection control should take precedence when discussing a patient at risk for infection.
Choice A rationale:
"I will administer platelet transfusions as prescribed." Administering platelet transfusions is an important nursing intervention for a leukemia patient who is at risk for bleeding due to low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia)
However, the question specifically asks about infection risk, and platelet transfusions do not address that concern.
Platelet transfusions are given to manage bleeding or prevent excessive bleeding, not to prevent or manage infections.
Choice B rationale:
"I will provide supplemental oxygen as needed." Supplemental oxygen may be necessary for leukemia patients who are experiencing respiratory distress, but it does not directly address the patient's risk of infection.
In this case, infection risk is the primary concern, and implementing infection control measures should take precedence.
Choice C rationale:
"I will implement neutropenic precautions such as hand hygiene and isolation." Neutropenic precautions are essential for leukemia patients with low neutrophil counts (neutropenia) because they are highly susceptible to infections.
Isolation measures, strict hand hygiene, and infection control practices are crucial to reduce the risk of exposure to pathogens.
This is the highest priority nursing intervention in this situation, as it directly addresses the patient's risk of infection.
Choice D rationale:
"I will administer erythropoietin to manage anemia." Administering erythropoietin is appropriate for managing anemia in leukemia patients, but it does not address the patient's immediate risk of infection.
Anemia and infection are both important considerations in leukemia care, but infection control should take precedence when discussing a patient at risk for infection.