A child diagnosed with cancer is prescribed chemotherapy. Recent laboratory data show a low white blood cell (WBC) count. Which prescription should the nurse anticipate based on the current data?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Chemotherapy can cause a decrease in WBC count, which puts the child at an increased risk for infection. Filgrastim (Neupogen) is a medication that stimulates the production and release of neutrophils, a type of WBC, which can help increase the child's WBC count and reduce the risk of infection. Epoetin alfa (Epogen) is a medication that stimulates the production of red blood cells and is not indicated for a low WBC count. Ondansetron (Zofran) is an antiemetic medication used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. Oprelvekin (Neumega) is a medication that stimulates the production of platelets and is not indicated for a low WBC count.

A Child Diagnosed with Cancer Is Prescribed Chemotherapy