A client receiving chemotherapy has an absolute neutrophil count of 400/mm3. Which instruction should the nurse include in the plan of care?
1Keep fresh flowers in the room to improve mood.
2Screen visitors for illness before they enter the room.✓ Correct answer
3Use rectal temperatures to monitor for fever.
4Encourage the client to eat raw sprouts for nutrition.
Explanation
Severe neutropenia requires measures to reduce exposure to infectious organisms, including screening visitors for illness. Fresh flowers, rectal temperatures, and raw sprouts can increase infection risk. Fever or subtle signs of infection require prompt attention in neutropenic clients.
In-depth explanation
Clinical Judgment Use the client cues, timing, labs, and safety risks to select the response that best fits Severe neutropenia precautions.
Memory Tip Match the strongest cue cluster to the safest nursing judgment.
KR vs US NCLEX items reward cue-based priority thinking rather than isolated recall.
Clinical scenario
Clinical Practice Guide For Severe neutropenia precautions, compare the complete cue pattern with the client's current stability, ordered data, and expected nursing scope.
Caution Do not choose an action from one isolated cue when the full scenario changes priority or safety.
Key concepts
Neutropenia — A low neutrophil count that increases infection risk.
Absolute Neutrophil Count — A calculated measure of infection-fighting neutrophils.
Chemotherapy — Medication treatment for cancer that may suppress bone marrow.