ASSESSMENT
A patient presents with fatigue, frequent infections, and easy bruising. What condition should the nurse suspect?
Leukemia.
What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient with neutropenia?
Infection prevention (neutropenic precautions).
Why is Filgrastim used in leukemia patients?
Stimulates WBC production to reduce infection risk.
What is the most life-threatening complication of leukemia?
Infection (due to neutropenia).
Why should fresh flowers be avoided in neutropenic patients?
They can harbor bacteria.
Why do patients with leukemia develop frequent infections?
Abnormal WBCs are ineffective at fighting infection.
What is the priority action if a leukemia patient develops a fever?
Treat as emergency and notify provider immediately. - Neutropenic precautions
What is the purpose of Methotrexate?
Inhibits DNA synthesis in rapidly dividing cancer cells.
Why are leukemia patients at risk for bleeding?
Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia).
Why should patients avoid crowds?
Reduced immune defense increases infection risk.
A patient has petechiae and bleeding gums. What is the underlying cause?
Thrombocytopenia (low platelets).
Why should invasive procedures be minimized in leukemia patients?
Risk of bleeding due to low platelets.
Why is Vincristine used?
Prevents cell division by disrupting microtubules.
What is neutropenia?
Low neutrophil count → high infection risk.
Why is hand hygiene critical for leukemia patients?
Primary way to prevent infection.
A patient reports bone pain. Why does this occur in leukemia?
Bone marrow overcrowding from abnormal cells.
A patient has platelet count of 15,000. What is the priority intervention?
Implement bleeding precautions.
A patient receiving Ondansetron — what is the purpose? And what are the nursing considerations for this medication?
Prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea.
QT prolongation (ECG)
A patient develops mouth sores during chemotherapy. What is this called?
Mucositis.
A patient asks why they feel extremely fatigued. What is the best explanation?
Anemia from decreased red blood cells.
A patient has extremely elevated WBC count but still has infections. Why?
WBCs are immature/nonfunctional.
A patient is severely anemic. What is the priority intervention?
Administer oxygen and prepare for possible transfusion.
Why must chemotherapy dosing be carefully monitored in leukemia?
High risk of bone marrow suppression and toxicity.
A patient becomes hypotensive and febrile. What is the priority concern?
Septic shock.
Why must patients report even minor signs of infection immediately?
Infections can rapidly become life-threatening due to immunosuppression.