The nurse is caring for a child receiving chemotherapy for ...

[Engineer]

The nurse is caring for a child receiving chemotherapy for leukemia. The child's granulocyte count is 600/mm3 and platelet count is 45,000/mm3. What oral care should the nurse recommend for this child?
 
  a. Rinsing mouth with water
  b. Daily toothbrushing and flossing
  c. Lemon glycerin swabs for cleansing
  d. Wiping teeth with moistened gauze or Toothettes

Question 2

The nurse is preparing a child for possible alopecia from chemotherapy. What information should the nurse include?
 
  a. Wearing hats or scarves is preferable to a wig.
  b. Expose head to sunlight to stimulate hair regrowth.
  c. Hair may have a slightly different color or texture when it regrows.
  d. Regrowth of hair usually begins 12 months after chemotherapy ends.

[Ahnyah]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Oral care is essential for children receiving chemotherapy to prevent infections and other complications. When the child's granulocyte count is above 500/mm3 and platelet count is above 40,000/mm3, daily brushing and flossing are recommended. Rinsing the mouth with water is not effective for oral hygiene. Lemon glycerin swabs are avoided because they have a drying effect on the mucous membranes, and the lemon may irritate eroded tissue and decay the child's teeth. Wiping teeth with moistened gauze or Toothettes is recommended when the child's granulocyte count is below 500/mm3 and platelet count is below 40,000/mm3.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Alopecia is a side effect of certain chemotherapeutic agents and cranial irradiation. When the hair regrows, it may be of a different color or texture. Children should choose the head covering they prefer. A wig should be selected similar to the child's own hairstyle and color before the hair loss. The head should be protected from sunlight to avoid sunburn. The hair usually grows back within 3 to 6 months after the cessation of treatment.

[Engineer]

Excellent

[at]

Gracias!