A patient with lung cancer is receiving chemotherapy. Why is it important for the nurse to closely monitor the patient's white blood cell (WBC) count?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Chemotherapy drugs can depress the bone marrow, which can lead to a decrease in all blood cells, including white blood cells. This can increase the risk for infection, so it is important for the nurse to closely monitor the patient's WBC count and take appropriate precautions if the count drops too low. Choices A and B are not accurate statements about the effects of chemotherapy on blood cells, and choice D is partially true but does not fully address the importance of monitoring the WBC count.

A Patient with Lung Cancer Is Receiving Chemotherapy