Question

A client with neutropenia has been admitted from the emergency department. What is the priority nursing intervention? ? A. Thorough hand-washing before client contact ? B. Start two or more large-bore IVs ? C. Give pain medication as ordered ? D. Request hypoallergenic sheets from the laundry

Short answer

Answer: The priority nursing intervention for a client with neutropenia is thorough hand-washing before client contact.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the condition of neutropenia

Neutropenia is when a person has an unusually low number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that plays a role in fighting infections. This condition puts the individual at an increased risk of infections.

Evaluate intervention A

A. Thorough handwashing before client contact: Handwashing is crucial in preventing the spread of infection, especially for a client with neutropenia who is at a higher risk for infection. This can be considered an important intervention.

Evaluate intervention B

B. Start two or more large-bore IVs: Starting multiple IVs can be useful in certain situations, such as administering several medications at once or preparing for emergencies. However, this intervention may not be the most urgent or necessary for a client with neutropenia.

Evaluate intervention C

C. Give pain medication as ordered: While managing pain is important for the client's comfort, it is not necessarily a priority over preventing infections, especially considering the client's neutropenic condition.

Evaluate intervention D

D. Request hypoallergenic sheets from the laundry: Hypoallergenic sheets might help reduce the client's exposure to allergens, but they do not address the main concern of infection prevention.

Determine the priority nursing intervention

Based on the evaluation of each intervention, we can determine that the priority nursing intervention for a client with neutropenia is A. Thorough hand-washing before client contact. This intervention directly addresses the main concern for clients with neutropenia, which is infection prevention.

Key concepts

Infection Control

Infection control is a fundamental aspect of nursing care, especially when dealing with patients who have compromised immune systems, like those with neutropenia. Neutropenia refers to a condition where there is a low count of neutrophils, the white blood cells essential for fighting off infections.
A patient with neutropenia is at high risk of developing infections as their body's natural defense is weakened. Thus, healthcare professionals need to prioritize measures that minimize this risk.
Effective infection control starts with basic practices:

• Thorough handwashing: This is a simple yet powerful defense against the spread of pathogens. By washing hands meticulously before any contact with the patient, healthcare workers can significantly reduce the risk of transmitting infections.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE): Depending on the situation, wearing gloves, masks, or gowns can add layers of protection against bacteria and viruses.
• Maintaining a clean environment: Regular cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces in patient rooms help eliminate potential sources of infection.

Implementing these infection control measures is crucial in maintaining the safety and health of neutropenic patients.

Priority Nursing Interventions

In nursing, prioritizing interventions is key to effective patient care. For patients with neutropenia, the primary concern is infection prevention. Therefore, interventions must be thoughtfully prioritized to address this risk.
Nursing interventions should reflect the urgency and importance regarding the patients' condition:

• Hand hygiene: Before anything else, nurses must ensure that they maintain excellent hand hygiene to protect the patient.
• Education: Informing the patient and their family about ways to reduce infection risk, such as avoiding crowds or wearing masks, empowers them to actively participate in their care.
• Monitoring for signs of infection: Timely identification of symptoms like fever or chills allows for prompt intervention, thereby reducing complications.

By setting clear priorities, nurses can deliver targeted and effective interventions that cater to the specific needs of neutropenic patients, ultimately improving their outcomes.

Patient Safety

Patient safety is a top priority in any healthcare setting. For patients with neutropenia, safety measures focus on preventing infections and ensuring their environment does not exacerbate their condition.
Achieving patient safety involves a combination of strategies:

• Creating a protective environment: This includes isolation measures if necessary to limit exposure to infectious agents.
• Regular assessments: Nurses should frequently check for vital signs and symptoms that could indicate infection.
• Safe handling of medical equipment: Proper disinfection and handling of anything that comes into contact with the patient minimize the risk of germ transmission.

Employing these safety measures diligently helps prevent complications arising from infections, keeping neutropenic patients safer and more secure during their hospital stay.

Nursing Exam Preparation

Preparing for a nursing exam requires a solid understanding of various interventions, particularly when considering patients with conditions like neutropenia. Understanding the rationale behind prioritizing certain interventions over others is essential for success in exams and clinical practice.
To excel in your nursing exams, consider the following tips:

• Understand pathophysiology: Knowing the medical background of conditions helps in determining appropriate interventions. For instance, understanding why infection control is critical for neutropenic patients helps in selecting the best nursing actions.
• Practice critical thinking: Exams often present scenarios that require you to think on your feet. Developing strong critical thinking skills allows you to evaluate situations and choose the correct intervention.
• Utilize practice questions: Engaging with practice questions can familiarize you with how exam questions are structured and test your knowledge of priority interventions.

Arming yourself with knowledge and techniques can ensure that you are well-prepared for your exams, confident in prioritizing interventions for neutropenic patients and others alike.