An 8-year-old child had a hematopoietic stem cell transplant 10 months ago.The father brings her to the clinic,where the child reports "I just don't feel well." Dad relates that the child has been lethargic and sleeping a lot.The child's vital signs are within normal range for age.What action by the nurse is best?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

After a stem cell transplant,patients are on lifelong immunosuppressant therapy.These patients may contract illnesses,especially infections,without showing the classic signs and symptoms.The nurse should assume the child has an infection and prepare the child and father for a full workup to determine the origins of the infection.Reassurance is always an important nursing intervention,but does not take priority over the child's physical health.At each clinic visit,the nurse should review the treatment regimen,including side effects of medications,but again this is not the priority.Until proven otherwise,this child is ill,and not just having a growth spurt.

An 8-Year-Old Child Had a Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant 10