Final answer:
The nurse should place the patient in a private room to reduce infection risk due to neutropenia. Live vaccines, raw foods, and fresh flowers should be avoided. An ANC of 1900 cells/µl allows continuation of chemotherapy, and protective measures are essential for immune system integrity during treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse planning care for a patient receiving chemotherapy with neutropenia should include placing the patient in a private room as part of the intervention plan. Neutropenia, a condition characterized by abnormally low levels of neutrophils, places patients at higher risk of infection. Therefore, introducing possible sources of infection, such as live vaccines, fresh flowers, and a diet rich in raw fruits and vegetables should be avoided. A private room minimizes the exposure to infections from other patients and the hospital environment.
Regarding the provided information about absolute neutrophil count (ANC), a count of 1900 cells per microliter is above the threshold that is typically concerning for severe neutropenia. Clinically, an ANC below 1500 cells per microliter is considered neutropenic. Therefore, with an ANC of 1900, a healthcare team may likely proceed with chemotherapy treatment, provided that other patient factors also support this decision. Neutrophils are pivotal for protecting the body against bacteria and an adequate count is crucial when administering treatments that could suppress the immune system further.
As for the role of neutrophils in anticancer responses, although they are not directly responsible for attacking cancerous cells, they can contribute to overall immune system function, which may have indirect effects on anticancer responses. Therapy such as stimulating cytotoxic T cells or therapeutic vaccines can enhance or assist the immune response in fighting cancer.