Questions
Where in the body are blood cells normally produced?
Bone marrow
Thrombocytopenia in AML increases the risk for bleeding.
True
Rationale: Low platelets impair clotting and increase bleeding risk.
What is Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)?
a rapidly progressive type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow and the production of WBCs, RBCs, and platelets.
In AML, immature blast cells overcrowd the bone marrow, preventing the production of normal blood cells.
True
Rationale: Blasts proliferate rapidly and suppress normal hematopoiesis (the process by which the body produces all types of blood cells).
A nurse reviews labs on a patient newly diagnosed with AML. Which findings are expected?
Select all that apply.
A. Low platelet count
B. Elevated ANC
C. Low hemoglobin
D. Low RBC count
E. High neutrophil count
Correct Answers: A, C, D
Rationales:
A. Low platelet count → thrombocytopenia from marrow crowding.
C. Low hemoglobin → anemia due to impaired RBC production.
D. Low RBC count → fewer mature cells produced.
Which lab value is used to assess immunity and infection risk?
ANC (absolute neutrophil count).
Rationale: The ANC determines the severity of neutropenia.
Hemoglobin level reflects immune function and infection risk.
False
Rationale: ANC (absolute neutrophil count) reflects infection risk; hemoglobin reflects oxygen-carrying capacity
The nurse is caring for a patient with AML who has an ANC of 0.2 and a temperature of 101.4°F (38.5°C). Which nursing actions are appropriate?
Select all that apply.
A. Notify the provider immediately
B. Obtain blood cultures before antibiotics
C. Administer PRN acetaminophen and reassess in one hour
D. Place the patient in a private room
E. Encourage fresh fruits and vegetables for nutrition
F. Initiate neutropenic precautions
Correct Answers: A, B, D, F
Rationales:
A. Notify provider → fever + neutropenia = emergency (risk for sepsis).
B. Blood cultures first → identify infection source before starting antibiotics.
D. Private room → minimize infection exposure.
F. Neutropenic precautions → mask, hand hygiene, restrict visitors.
Why might a patient with AML experience fatigue?
Due to low RBCs and low hemoglobin
Rationale: Reduced RBCs → decreased oxygen carrying capacity → fatigue.
A patient with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is admitted with the following lab results:
Lab Value Result:
Hemoglobin (Hgb)7.6 g/dL
Platelet count16,000 / mm³.
Absolute neutrophil count (ANC)0.3 ×10³ / µL
Temperature 101.9°F (38.8°C)
Which nursing priority action should the nurse take?
A. Apply fall precautions and encourage rest
B. Initiate neutropenic precautions and notify the provider of the fever
C. Prepare the patient for a platelet transfusion
D. Offer oral fluids to prevent dehydration from fever
B. Initiate neutropenic precautions and notify the provider of the fever
Fatigue and low Hgb matter, but infection risk takes priority because fever + neutropenia = emergency. Platelet count is critically low (16,000), but transfusion is not the first priority when there is a fever + neutropenia