Question

A client with acute leukemia develops a low white blood cell count. In addition to the institution of isolation, the nurse should: A. Request that foods be served with disposable utensils B. Ask the client to wear a mask when visitors are present C. Prep IV sites with mild soap and water and alcohol D. Provide foods in sealed single-serving packages

Short answer

Answer: The most appropriate course of action for a nurse to take is to isolate the patient and combine the suggested precautionary measures, including using disposable utensils, asking the client to wear a mask when visitors are present, prepping IV sites with mild soap and water and alcohol, and providing foods in sealed single-serving packages. This will effectively protect the client from potential infections and promote recovery.

Step-by-step solution

Understand Acute Leukemia and Low White Blood Cell Count

First, we need to understand that acute leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It causes an increase in abnormal white blood cells, which in turn weakens the immune system. A low white blood cell count is a common symptom of acute leukemia and it makes the patient more susceptible to infections. Therefore, it is important for the nurse to take necessary precautions to prevent infections and complications.

Evaluate Option A

Option A suggests using disposable utensils which can indeed reduce the risk of contamination and infection. However, this action alone may not be enough to prevent exposure to harmful germs, so let's keep evaluating the other options.

Evaluate Option B

Option B suggests asking the client to wear a mask when visitors are present. This is a good practice since it can effectively reduce the risk of infection transmission between the patient and the visitors. However, this action alone may still not be enough to protect the patient from infections, so let's examine the other options.

Evaluate Option C

Option C suggests prepping IV sites with mild soap and water and alcohol. This is a standard practice for IV insertion and is recommended to decrease the risk of infection. However, it should be noted that this is only applicable when administering IV medications and cannot prevent other sources of infections. Let's analyze the final option.

Evaluate Option D

Option D suggests providing foods in sealed single-serving packages. This option is beneficial because it minimizes the risk of contamination during food preparation and serving. It is important that all precautions are taken to avoid exposing the client to potential infection, including the food which could be another source of bacteria.

Choose the Best Option

After evaluating all options, it is clear that we should combine some of the suggested practices to make sure the patient is protected from potential infections. However, the institution of isolation stands as the most important measure to protect the patient. Therefore, the nurse should: 1. Isolate the patient. 2. Request that foods be served with disposable utensils (Option A). 3. Ask the client to wear a mask when visitors are present (Option B). 4. Prep IV sites with mild soap and water and alcohol (Option C). 5. Provide foods in sealed single-serving packages (Option D). By combining these precautionary measures, the nurse can effectively protect the client with acute leukemia and a low white blood cell count from potential infections, ensuring their well-being and promoting recovery.

Key concepts

Low White Blood Cell Count

When a patient is diagnosed with acute leukemia, they face a critical challenge due to a low white blood cell count, medically referred to as leukopenia. White blood cells (WBCs) are crucial for the body's immune response; they fight infections and play a key role in maintaining health. Leukopenia, therefore, renders patients more vulnerable to infections as their immune defenses are compromised.

Understanding this vulnerability, it is the nurse's role to minimize exposure to potential sources of infection. This includes strict adherence to hygiene protocols, such as sanitizing hands before and after patient contact and ensuring the patient's environment is kept clean and free from potential contaminants. Additionally, close monitoring of the patient's WBC count can help anticipate the need for increased protective measures when counts are particularly low.

Infection Control in Healthcare

Within healthcare settings, infection control is of paramount importance, especially for immunocompromised patients like those with acute leukemia. A comprehensive approach to infection control includes various strategies to prevent the introduction and spread of pathogens.

Key infection control practices involve standard precautions like wearing gloves, masks, and protective clothing; using alcohol-based sanitizers; and employing proper waste disposal methods. Isolation or protective environments for high-risk patients are also critical. Moreover, the use of disposable items and the sterilization of medical equipment protect against cross-contamination. Hospitals and healthcare facilities must also ensure that healthcare staff are trained in, and compliant with, infection control policies to maintain a safe environment for all patients.

Nursing Care for Leukemia Patients

Caring for patients with leukemia requires specialized attention due to their suppressed immune function. A nurse's care plan will typically include measures to minimize the risk of infection.

Protective Isolation

In cases of acute leukemia, protective isolation may be necessary to shield the patient from external sources of infection.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Nurses should don PPE such as gloves and masks when attending to the patient, and educate visitors on proper usage as well.

Dietary Precautions

Dietary precautions like serving food in sealed packages and using disposable utensils can also assist in preventing the introduction of pathogens through food.

Routine Assessment and Monitoring

Nurses also perform regular assessments to monitor the patient's condition and promptly address any signs of infection. Overall, meticulous care and vigilance are paramount in the nursing care of leukemia patients.