A patient has a platelet count of 75,000 /mm3. What action should the nurse take to support this patient?
a. Restrict blood draws.
b. Place in protective isolation.
c. Wear a mask when entering the room.
d. Document rectal temperatures to be taken.
ANS: A
A normal platelet count is 150,000–450,000/mm3. There is an increased risk of bleeding with a low platelet count. The patient's blood draws should be limited because of the risk of bleeding after a venipuncture. B. C. Protective isolation and wearing a mask would be appropriate if the white blood cell count was low. D. Rectal temperatures would be contraindicated in the patient with a low platelet count because of the risk for rectal bleeding.
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