Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 70%
Full-length
A client receiving chemotherapy has a platelet count of 15,000 mm³ (15 x 10⁹/L). Based on this laboratory result, which form of precautions should the nurse implement?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
When the platelet count is less than 20,000 mm³ (20 x 10⁹/L), the client is at risk for bleeding, and the nurse should institute bleeding precautions. Contact precautions are initiated in a client who has drainage from wounds that may be infectious. Respiratory precautions are instituted for a client with a respiratory infection that is transmitted by the airborne route. Neutropenic precautions would be instituted for a client with a low neutrophil count.