A nurse is evaluating a patient who is receiving chemotherapy. The nurse checks the patient's neutrophil count and notes that it is 900 cells/mm3. What intervention by the nurse would be most appropriate?
a. Skip the next dose of chemotherapy and notify the prescriber.
b. Discontinue chemotherapy, because it is at a dangerous level.
c. Hospitalize the patient, because there is a risk of possible infection.
d. Continue to monitor the neutrophil count carefully, in case it continues to drop.
ANS: D
Neutrophil counts must be monitored. Normal counts range from 2500 to 7000 cells/mm3. If neutropenia is substantial (ie, an absolute neutrophil count below 500/mm3), chemotherapy should be withheld until the neutrophil count returns toward normal.
The next dose should not be skipped unless the neutrophil count is below 500/mm3.
The chemotherapy should not be discontinued, because the low neutrophil level is not considered "substantial" yet.
There is a risk for infection, but hospitalization is not indicated. The patient is safer in the home environment.
You might also like to view...
A 60-year-old male patient is planning to marry a woman in her 30s and is concerned about the need for contraception. How should the nurse respond to this patient?
1. "After age 50, you are considered virtually infertile." 2. "It is still possible at this time of life to father a child." 3. "You should have a vasectomy to avoid fathering a child." 4. "You will only need to be concerned about fertility for another few years."
Before the specially trained nurse gives the prescribed dose of a chemotherapeutic agent, the nurse should
a. collect an extra syringe and needle in case of contamination. b. cover the client with a water-resistant shield. c. explain the expected side effects of the drug to the client. d. verify dose, drug, and schedule with another nurse.
Which drug(s) would the nurse expect to administer to a client to prevent gastrointestinal ulceration from hypercortisolism?
A. Metoclopramide (Reglan) B. Clarithromycin (Biaxin) C. Omeprazole (Prilosec) D. Vitamins and iron
A 1-year-old is a victim of child abuse. Which of the following factors obtained on history is most apt to be associated with the risk of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy physical abuse in children?
A) The family has a low socioeconomic level. B) The mother was abused as a child. C) The parents are outgoing, gregarious people. D) The family is an extended one.