A nurse is caring for a client with neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count <500 cells/mm³) following chemotherapy. Which interventions should the nurse implement to prevent infection? For each group, select all responses that apply.

Neutropenic clients are at high risk for infection. A private room with positive-pressure airflow (protective environment) reduces exposure to airborne pathogens. A low-microbial diet avoids raw foods that may harbor bacteria. Fresh flowers and plants are prohibited because they can harbor fungi. Yogurt with live cultures may contain bacteria that could be harmful. Strict hand hygiene is essential. Visitors should be screened for illness. Sharing a room with another neutropenic client increases infection risk. Live plants are not allowed.

Use the client-specific assessment findings and timing in the scenario rather than a memorized diagnosis label.

Connect the relevant cues to the safest nursing interpretation and action for this exact care setting.

The distractors are plausible in another context but are unsupported, mistimed, lower priority, or incomplete for the findings presented.

Address immediate threats first, stay within nursing scope, and reassess the client after the selected intervention.

For neutropenia infection prevention, select responses that are both clinically supported and appropriate at this point in care.

• neutropenia — An abnormally low neutrophil count, increasing susceptibility to bacterial and fungal infections.
• protective environment — A positive-pressure room with HEPA filtration to reduce airborne pathogens for immunocompromised clients.
• low-microbial diet — A diet that avoids foods likely to contain harmful microorganisms, such as raw produce and undercooked meats.