202k views
2 votes
The medical provider has explained to Cherise that she has an abscess in her spleen and the spleen will need to be removed. When the medical assistant who is educating Cherise on the procedure asks if she has any questions, she asks if the spleen removal will cause a health problem. What is the best response to her question?

User LaVache
by
8.4k points

1 Answer

6 votes

Final answer:

The removal of the spleen may cause a slight increase in the risk of infection, but with proper precautions, Cherise can lead a healthy life without it.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best response to Cherise's question about whether spleen removal will cause a health problem would be to reassure her that while the spleen plays an important role in the immune system, its removal does not typically cause serious long-term health issues. It may, however, increase the risk of certain infections. The spleen helps filter blood and fight against infections, so without a spleen, the body's ability to fight infections, particularly certain types of bacteria, can be compromised. To minimize this risk, Cherise may be advised to receive vaccinations and take antibiotics prophylactically.

User BenP
by
7.9k points