In teaching parents how to minimize or prevent bleeding episodes when the child is myelosuppressed, the nurse includes what information?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The decrease in blood platelets secondary to the myelosuppression of chemotherapy can cause an increase in bleeding. The child and family are taught how to perform good oral hygiene to minimize gingival bleeding and mucositis. Rectal temperatures are avoided to minimize the risk of ulceration. Hygiene is also emphasized. Intramuscular injections are avoided because of the risk of bleeding into the muscle and of infection. Platelet transfusions are usually not given unless there is active bleeding or the platelet count is less than 10,000/mm³. The use of platelets when not necessary can contribute to antibody formation and increased destruction of platelets when transfused.

In Teaching Parents How to Minimize or Prevent Bleeding Episodes