Comprehensive Nursing Pharmacology Q 215

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Enrique who is under chemotherapy has the following CBC results: WBC 5000/mm3, RBC platelet 10,000/mm3. Which of the following is he at risk for?

  

     A. Infection

     B. Bleeding

     C. Angina

     D. None of the above

    

    

Correct Answer: B. Bleeding

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A platelet count of 10,000/mm3 means that the client does not have enough platelets to clot the blood; therefore, the possibility of bleeding is high. Platelets help the blood to clot. A low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) means the body can’t stop itself from bleeding.

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Option A: It is a normal value of WBC. These cells help the body fight infection. A low white blood cell count (leukopenia) leaves the body more open to infection. And if an infection does develop, the body may be unable to fight it off.

Option C: Angina would only be a risk if the client had a lower RBC count. Another part of a CBC test is the mean corpuscular volume, which is a measure of the average size of your red blood cells. Specific blood tests can be performed to detect problems with your heart, lungs, or blood vessels. Cardiac enzyme tests measure the cardiac enzyme levels in the blood.

Option D: Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. The red blood cells’ ability to carry oxygen is measured by the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. If the level of hemoglobin is low, the client may be anemic and the body works much harder to supply oxygen to the tissues. This can make the client feel fatigued and short of breath.

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