The nurse is caring for a client receiving chemotherapy for lung cancer. Laboratory results show a platelet count of 18,000/mm³ and WBC of 5,000/mm³. Which of the following measures should the nurse implement based on these results?

Explanation

• Normal platelet count is 150,000 - 400,000/mm³.  Bleeding precautions should be implemented with a platelet count below 50,000/mm³. Anything under <20,000/mm³ is considered critical. 

• Patients receiving chemotherapy are at risk for thrombocytopenia. Bleeding precautions include avoiding anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications, using an electric razor, using stool softeners to prevent straining, and avoiding dental floss.

•The patient's WBC count is normal. (Reference range for WBC: 5,000-10,000/mm³. Anything <2,000/mm³ is critical.)

•When a patient has a respiratory infection that can be transmitted through the airborne route, that patient is placed on respiratory isolation.

•Reverse isolation is done when the patient is severely immunocompromised and must be protected from infection.

•Contact isolation is initiated in a patient who has drainage from a wound that is infectious.

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