# 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. > source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr) > url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=620035&lang=en > language: en > subject: Standard/Transmission-Based Precautions/Surgical Asepsis > category: SIPC ## Question 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. Environmental and Dietary Precautions Place the client in a private room with positive-pressure airflow. Provide a low-microbial diet, avoiding raw fruits and vegetables. Allow fresh flowers and potted plants in the room. Encourage the client to eat yogurt with live cultures. Staff and Visitor Precautions Perform strict hand hygiene before and after client contact. Screen visitors for signs of infection and restrict those who are ill. Allow the client to share a room with another neutropenic client. Permit live plants but no cut flowers. ## Explanation 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. ## In-depth explanation Quick answer 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. Key cues Use the client-specific assessment findings and timing in the scenario rather than a memorized diagnosis label. Clinical reasoning Connect the relevant cues to the safest nursing interpretation and action for this exact care setting. Why the alternatives do not fit The distractors are plausible in another context but are unsupported, mistimed, lower priority, or incomplete for the findings presented. Priority and safety Address immediate threats first, stay within nursing scope, and reassess the client after the selected intervention. Takeaway For neutropenia infection prevention, select responses that are both clinically supported and appropriate at this point in care. **Sources** - CDC Core Infection Prevention Practices ## Clinical scenario 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. ## Key concepts - **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. ## Related questions - [A nurse is caring for a client newly admitted with suspected methicillin-resistant Staphyl…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=360517&lang=en) - [A nurse is about to enter the room of a client with Clostridioides difficile infection dur…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=361226&lang=en) - [A 22-year-old female client presents to the emergency department with a 4-week history of …](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=361677&lang=en) - [A 65-year-old client admitted to the medical ICU with sepsis and acute delirium has just p…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=361679&lang=en) - [A new graduate registered nurse (RN) on a medical unit just hung an intravenous antibiotic…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=361710&lang=en) - [A nurse is caring for a client newly admitted with active Clostridioides difficile infecti…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=363996&lang=en) - [A nurse is caring for an adult client newly admitted with suspected active pulmonary tuber…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=366306&lang=en) - [A nurse cares for a client newly admitted with a positive surveillance culture for vancomy…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=366709&lang=en) ## Read in another language - [en](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=620035&lang=en) - [ko](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=620035&lang=ko) - [ja](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=620035&lang=ja) - [zh-TW](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=620035&lang=zh-tw) - [vi](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=620035&lang=vi) --- More free questions: [NCLEX-RN Practice](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_bank.php?lang=en) _For study reference only. Always follow current clinical guidelines and your institution’s protocols._