A patient diagnosed with leukemia says, "If I have too many white blood cells, and white blood cells fight infections, why do I have to be careful not to be exposed to germs?" What would be an appropriate response for the nurse?
1. "With leukemia, you have the wrong kind of white blood cells."
2. "That's not what leukemia is."
3. "The white blood cells with leukemia aren't effective at fighting infections."
4. "Your bone marrow can become infected."
Correct Answer: 3
The patient has a basic understanding of the diagnosis and simply needs clarification. Leukemic cells are not effective in the normal immune functions of white blood cells (WBCs), and that increases the risk for infection. The cells are not "wrong" but rather not the right type at the right level to fight infection. The risk is not of bone marrow infection but of overall systemic infection.
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a. Cranberry and orange juice b. Milk and apples c. Coffee and tea d. Prune juice and plums
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