Physiological Adaptation Q 22
A nurse is caring for patients in the oncology unit. Which of the following is the most important nursing action when caring for a neutropenic patient?
A. Change the disposable mask immediately after use.
B. Change gloves immediately after use.
C. Minimize patient contact.
D. Minimize conversation with the patient.
Correct Answer: B. Change gloves immediately after use.
The neutropenic patient is at risk of infection. Changing gloves immediately after use protects patients from contamination with organisms picked up on hospital surfaces. This contamination can have serious consequences for an immunocompromised patient. Wear gloves when providing direct care; perform hand hygiene after properly disposing gloves.
Option A: Changing the respiratory mask is desirable, but not nearly as urgent as changing gloves. Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) properly. Use masks, goggles, face shields to protect the mucous membranes of your eyes, mouth, and nose during procedures and in direct-care activities (e.g., suctioning secretions) that may generate splashes or sprays of blood, body fluids, secretions, and excretions.
Option C: Place the patient in protective isolation if the patient is at high risk of infection. Protective isolation is set when the WBC indicates neutropenia. Provide surgical masks to visitors who are coughing and provide rationale to enforce usage. Instruct visitors to cover mouth and nose (by using the elbows to cover) during coughing or sneezing; use of tissues to contain respiratory secretions with immediate disposal to a no-touch receptacle; perform hand hygiene afterward.
Option D: Minimizing conversations are not necessary and may cause nursing staff to miss changes in the patient’s symptoms or condition. Educating visitors on the importance of preventing droplet transmission from themselves to others reduces the risk of infection.