A nurse is admitting a child who has leukemia. Several rooms are available on the pediatric unit. Which client could share a room with this child?

Question

A nurse is admitting a child who has leukemia.  Several rooms are available on the pediatric unit.  Which client could share a room with this child?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Leukemia is characterized by unrestricted proliferation of abnormal white blood cells (lymphoblasts), resulting in depression of normal bone marrow activity. This disorder is the most common form of childhood cancer. Infection is a major concern due to neutropenia. In addition, anemia occurs due to decreased red blood cell production, and bleeding is common as a result of decreased platelet production. It would be appropriate for this client with leukemia to share a room with a client with minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS). MCNS is a non-infectious condition of the glomeruli and poses no risk to a client with leukemia. (Option A) Appendicitis is a result of viral or infectious processes and can lead to rupture of the appendix. A client recovering from a ruptured appendix poses a threat of infection to the child who has leukemia. (Option B) A client with cystic fibrosis has pulmonary complications due to thick mucus that traps bacteria. The tracheobronchial tree is colonized with bacteria and respiratory infections are a lifelong problem. This client poses a threat of infection to the child with leukemia. (Option D) Rheumatic fever occurs following pharyngitis caused by group A β-hemolytic Streptococcus. A client with this condition poses a threat of infection to the child with leukemia. Educational objective: Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and organs involved in hematologic function. Due to myelosuppression, clients are at risk for problems related to infection, anemia, and bleeding.

A Nurse Is Admitting a Child Who Has Leukemia