In an oncology clinic, proper infection prevention is crucial for patients with leukemia. This NCLEX question of the day covers the topic and provides essential information for nursing students and professionals.
The nurse in the outpatient oncology clinic is reviewing the electronic health record (EHR) for a patient with leukemia with a priority hypothesis of risk for infection. The nurse created the expected outcome: The patient will verbalize measures to prevent infection by the follow-up visit. Which patient statement(s) indicate(s) that the outcome was met?
Select all that apply.
A. “I wear a mask only when I’m on an airplane.”
B. “I wear gloves when I work in the garden.”
C. “I use a pair of small scissors to clip my toenails.”
D. At home, I prefer taking a bath rather than showering.”E. “I should no longer receive a tetanus shot every ten years.”
F. “I use antibacterial hand gel throughout the day.”
Scroll down for the correct answers!
The correct answers to today’s NCLEX-RN® Question are…
B. “I wear gloves when I work in the garden.”
Rationale: Wearing gloves while gardening can prevent infections as they protect the skin from insects and pathogens in soil that can cause an infection and scratches that can impair skin integrity.
D. “At home, I prefer taking a bath rather than showering.”
Rationale: Removing pathogens from the skin by bathing daily either through showering or taking a bath is a preventive measure against infection. The patient should avoid bathing in public bath houses or going in hot tubs or jacuzzis to avoid infection.
F. “I use antibacterial hand gel throughout the day.”
Rationale: Frequent handwashing and use of antibacterial hand gel decreases the chance of acquiring infections by removing pathogens from the hands that can cause infections.
Major Takeaway
The nurse should use clinical judgment to evaluate outcomes related to leukemia by comparing observed outcomes against expected outcomes. Patients with leukemia have immature white blood cells that are unable to protect the body against infection. Therefore, patient statements about appropriate infection control measures such as using antibacterial hand gel, bathing daily, and wearing gloves while gardening indicate the outcome was met. On the other hand, using scissors to clip toenails, avoiding the tetanus vaccine, and wearing a mask only when on airplanes are statements that indicate the outcome has not yet been met.
Incorrect answer explanations
A. “I wear a mask only when I’m on an airplane.”
Rationale: Droplet or airborne infections may occur in settings other than an airplane, such as any event with a large crowd, so this statement shows the patient needs further teaching about when to wear a mask.
C. “I use a pair of small scissors to clip my toenails.”
Rationale: Use of scissors to clip toenails can cause injuries leading to infections. Instead, the patient should use a designated nail clipper or have their health care provider clip their toenails.
E. “I should no longer receive a tetanus shot every ten years.”
Rationale: The tetanus vaccine protects against tetanus, which is a serious nervous system infection caused by clostridium tetani found in the environment including soil, dust, and manure. Although patients with leukemia should avoid receiving live vaccines during active chemotherapy or radiation, they should still plan to have a tetanus vaccine every 10 years as needed.
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