PN Adult Medical Surgical Practice Exam

What nursing intervention should be implemented for a client with neutropenia?

1. Offer the client fresh fruits and vegetables

2. Monitor the client's platelet count daily

3. Limit visitors to healthy adults

4. Apply firm pressure to injection sites

The correct answer is: Limit visitors to healthy adults

In the context of managing a client with neutropenia, limiting visitors to healthy adults is an essential nursing intervention aimed at reducing the risk of infection. Neutropenia is characterized by a lowered white blood cell count, specifically neutrophils, which play a crucial role in fighting off infections. Clients with neutropenia have a weakened immune system, making them more susceptible to infections that could be carried by individuals, even those who may appear healthy. By restricting visitors to only those who are healthy, the potential exposure to pathogens is minimized. This intervention helps to create a safer environment for the client and is in line with infection control practices that are critical for individuals who have compromised immune systems, such as those with neutropenia. In contrast, offering fresh fruits and vegetables, while nutritionally beneficial in many contexts, could pose a risk of bringing bacteria or other pathogens into the environment, as these items may not be thoroughly washed or could harbor microorganisms. Monitoring platelet counts daily, while important in other contexts such as thrombocytopenia, does not directly address the risks associated with neutropenia. Lastly, applying firm pressure to injection sites is a standard practice unrelated to managing risks associated with neutropenia, focusing more on managing bleeding or bruising rather