The nurse is caring for a patient with AIDS. The nurse should implement neutropenic precautions when the patient's white blood cell count is:

Explanation

•The normal range for white blood cells is 4,000 - 10,000 cells/mm². A value of 3,000 cells/mm² is considered low and neutropenic precautions should be implemented.

•Neutropenic precautions include a private room, strict handwashing, screening nurses and visitors for transmittable diseases, no fresh plants, and no deli foods.

•15,000 and 11,500 cells/mm² are elevated, possibly due to infection.

•4,900 cells/mm² is a normal value.

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