Final answer:
Neutropenia in Lucy could lead to increased infection risks, and as a nurse, implementing infection control practices is essential. For a chemotherapy patient, an ANC above 1500 cells per microliter typically allows treatment to proceed, and with an ANC of 1900 cells per microliter, the chemotherapy is likely to continue. Leukopenia is a decrease in leukocytes, and leukocytosis is an increase, yet both can result in heightened disease risk.
Step-by-step explanation:
Neutropenia and its Complications
Neutropenia, defined by a decreased number of neutrophils, can lead to a heightened risk of infections due to the reduced capability of the immune system to fight off pathogens. For Lucy, complications might include frequent infections that are potentially more severe and could take longer to resolve. In mitigating these risks, as her nurse, I would implement strict infection control practices, monitor for any signs of infection meticulously, educate her on proper hygiene, and potentially administer prophylactic antibiotics if prescribed by her healthcare provider.
Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) in Chemotherapy Patients
Before administering chemotherapy, which often suppresses the immune system, an ANC is crucial to decide if the treatment should proceed. With an ANC of 1900 cells per microliter, a patient is above the critical threshold of 1500 cells per microliter, generally considered the minimum for safe chemotherapy administration. Therefore, the healthcare team would be likely to proceed with the chemotherapy treatment, assuming no other contraindications are present.
Leukopenia and Leukocytosis
Leukopenia signifies a decrease in leukocyte production, potentially impacting the immune system's efficacy. On the other hand, leukocytosis indicates excessive leukocyte proliferation; however, often the leukocytes are dysfunctional, posing similar risks of infection despite high leukocyte counts.