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A 54-year-old man has just had a course of antimetabolites and radiation for pancreatic cancer. This morning he had a severe nosebleed and his neutrophil count is very low. His wife accompanies him to the clinic today.

a. How will the nurse explain the client's current symptoms?
b. What would be some realistic treatment options to discuss at this time?

User Miserable
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Answer:

a) The nurse explains the client's current symptoms: As the patient is receiving chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatment for pancreatic cancer thats why the client is exhibiting epistaxis (nosebleed) and low neutrophil count.

Chemotherapic induced coagubility may appear as thrombocytopenia with hemorrhagic problems like petichea, purpura ecchymosis and epistaxis. When the platelet count is below 10,000 / ml internal hemorrhage may occur with pediatric oncologic emergency. Reduced coagulation factors which mayy cause ecchymosis, bleeding from punctuate sites and cerebrovascular accidents.

b) Some of the treatments for low neutrophil and platelet count are :

- Blood cells Transfusion

- Growth factors administration stimulating production of platelet and neutrophils

- Patient should be asked to take rest.

- Lifestyle modification may also help.

-Health hygiene for prevention of infections.

-Avoidance of injuries, cuts and bruises in order to minimise bleeding.

-Avoidance of drinking and smoking.

-And after all this, if the symptoms are not decreasing, it is advised to stop the chemotherapic and radiation therapy until the situation gets better.

User Anuj Mehta
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