A client has a platelet count of 9800/mm3. What action by the ...

[bclement10]

A client has a platelet count of 9800/mm3. What action by the nurse is most appropriate?
 
  a. Assess the client for calf pain, warmth, and redness.
  b. Instruct the client to call for help to get out of bed.
  c. Obtain cultures as per the facility's standing policy.
  d. Place the client on protective isolation precautions.

Question 2

After receiving the hand-off report, which client should the oncology nurse see first?
 
  a. Client who is afebrile with a heart rate of 108 beats/min
  b. Older client on chemotherapy with mental status changes
  c. Client who is neutropenic and in protective isolation
  d. Client scheduled for radiation therapy today

[SeanoH09]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
A client with a platelet count this low is at high risk for serious bleeding episodes. To prevent injury, the client should be instructed to call for help prior to getting out of bed. Calf pain, warmth, and redness might indicate a deep vein thrombosis, not associated with low platelets. Cultures and isolation relate to low white cell counts.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Older clients often do not exhibit classic signs of infection, and often mental status changes are the first observation. Clients on chemotherapy who become neutropenic also often do not exhibit classic signs of infection. The nurse should assess the older client first. The other clients can be seen afterward.

[bclement10]

Thank you

[SeanoH09]

Happy to help you