The nurse is caring for a patient who is being discharged home after a splenectomy. What information on immune function needs to be included in this patient's discharge planning?
A) The mechanisms of the inflammatory response
B) Basic infection control techniques
C) The importance of wearing a face mask in public
D) Limiting contact with the general population

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The spleen is one of the major organs of the immune system. Without the spleen, the patient is at higher risk for infection; so, the nurse must be sure that the patient understands basic principles of infection control. The patient with a splenectomy does not need to understand the mechanisms of inflammatory response. The patient with a splenectomy does not need to wear a face mask in public as long as the patient understands and maintains the basic principles of infection control. The patient who has had a splenectomy does not need to limit contact with the general population as long as the patient understands and maintains the basic principles of infection control.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Is Being