Question

The nurse is educating the parents of a 4-year-old boy with a Wilms tumor who is about to have chemotherapy prior to surgery. Which of the following statements by the parents would indicate that the nurse should review the instructions?

A) He will take his antibiotic twice a day, every day.
B) We will check his temperature orally.
C) We will keep him away from crowds.
D) He must be clean and his teeth brushed.

Answer 1

The nurse should review the instructions if the parents make the statement about giving their child antibiotics during chemotherapy. The other statements made by the parents are appropriate for a child receiving chemotherapy.

Step-by-step explanation:

If the parents make the statement, 'He will take his antibiotic twice a day, every day,' the nurse should review the instructions. This statement indicates a possible misunderstanding because chemotherapy does not typically involve the use of antibiotics. Antibiotics are medications used to treat bacterial infections, not to prevent or manage the side effects of chemotherapy. Therefore, the nurse should provide clarifications and ensure that the parents understand the appropriate medications and treatments for their child's Wilms tumor.

The other statements made by the parents are appropriate for a child receiving chemotherapy:

• We will check his temperature orally. Monitoring for fever is essential during chemotherapy because chemotherapy can decrease the body's ability to fight infections. Checking temperature orally is a common and accurate method of monitoring body temperature.
• We will keep him away from crowds. Chemotherapy temporarily weakens the immune system, making the child more vulnerable to infections. Avoiding crowded places helps reduce the risk of exposure to infectious agents.
• He must be clean and his teeth brushed. Maintaining good hygiene, including brushing teeth, is important for overall health, especially during chemotherapy when the immune system is compromised.