Final answer:
The current nursing priority for a patient with acute myeloid leukemia involves ensuring physiological stability by monitoring airway, breathing, and circulation, managing anemia, preventing infections, and potentially preparing for a bone marrow transplant. Psychological support and patient education are also crucial elements of comprehensive care.
Step-by-step explanation:
The current nursing priority for a patient with acute myeloid leukemia may involve several aspects, taking into consideration the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, and Circulation) and Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) often causes a decrease in normal blood cell production, including that of erythrocytes and leukocytes, as it overtakes the bone marrow with abnormal cells. This can result in anemia from reduced erythrocytes, increased risk of infection from reduced white blood cell count, and potential bleeding issues from reduced platelets.
Assessing and maintaining the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation are critical immediate priorities. With impaired production of erythrocytes, the patient can experience anemia, fatigue, and hypoxia, tackling which is crucial for maintaining adequate oxygenation. Furthermore, with the destruction of leukocytes due to the disease itself or as an adverse effect of chemotherapy, preventing and monitoring for infection is also a priority.
In cases where chemotherapy reduces the neutrophil count, such as an Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) lower than 1900 cells per microliter, the healthcare team needs to assess the risk of neutropenia and its possible complications before proceeding with further treatment. Moreover, a bone marrow transplant may be considered for some patients to replace the diseased marrow after proper matching and preparation of the recipient's body to prevent tissue rejection.
It is essential that nursing care balances the physical needs related to Maslow's hierarchy, such as ensuring physiological stability and safety, with psychological support for the patient and their family through this difficult time. Interventions might also include educating the patient on signs of infection, bleeding, and anemia, managing symptoms, and supporting the patient emotionally.