The nurse understands that the type of precautions needed for ...

[Mimi]

The nurse understands that the type of precautions needed for children receiving chemotherapy is based on which action of chemotherapeutic agents?
 
  a. Gastrointestinal upset
  b. Bone marrow suppression
  c. Decreased creatinine level
  d. Alopecia

Question 2

The nurse notes that a child's gums bleed easily and bruising and petechiae are evident on the extremities. Which laboratory value would be consistent with these symptoms?
 
  a. Platelet count of 19,000/mm3
  b. Prothrombin time of 11 to 15 seconds
  c. Hematocrit of 34
  d. Leukocyte count of 14,000/mm3

[Zebsrer]

Answer to Question 1

B
Chemotherapy agents cause bone marrow suppression, which creates the need to institute precautions related to reduced white blood cell, red blood cell, and platelet counts. These precautions focus on preventing infection and bleeding. Although gastrointestinal upset may be an adverse effect of chemotherapy, it is not caused by all chemotherapeutic agents. No special precautions are instituted for gastrointestinal upset. A decreased creatinine level is consistent with renal pathological conditions, not chemotherapy. Not all chemotherapeutic agents cause alopecia. No precautions are taken to prevent alopecia.

Answer to Question 2

A
The normal platelet count is 150,000 to 400,000/mm3 . This finding is very low, indicating an increased bleeding potential. The prothrombin time of 11 to 15 seconds is within normal limits. The normal hematocrit is 35 to 45 and, although this finding is low, it would not create the symptoms presented. A leukocyte count of 14,000/mm3 indicates the probable presence of infection but is not a reflection of bleeding tendency.