Question

A 6-year-old client has received chemo for two weeks, and the results show a platelet count of 20,000. What is the nurse's priority action?

1) Encourage quiet play
2) Avoid persons with infections
3) Administer O2 PRN
4) Provide high iron foods

Answer 1

For a 6-year-old undergoing chemotherapy with a low platelet count, the nurse should prioritize avoiding infections due to the heightened risk of bleeding and the child's compromised immune system.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's priority action for a 6-year-old client with a platelet count of 20,000 following chemotherapy is 2) Avoid persons with infections. This is because the child's reduced platelet count makes them more susceptible to bleeding and bruising, while their compromised immune system increases their risk of infection.

In cancer patients, chemotherapy can cause destruction of leukocytes. For instance, an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of 1900 cells per microliter indicates a reduced number of these vital immune cells, which could affect the decision to proceed with chemotherapy. Platelets are also crucial for blood clotting, and a low platelet count requires adjustments in patient care to minimize risks of bleeding.

Young children, especially those with conditions like iron deficiency anemia, need proper nutrition to support their development. However, in the scenario of a low platelet count post-chemotherapy, the priority is to avoid infections due to the compromised immune status. While good nutrition is important, it is secondary to preventing complications from infections in this context.