During chemotherapy for lymphocytic leukemia, a client develops abdominal pain, fever, and “horse barn” smelling diarrhea. It would be most important for the nurse to advise the physician to order:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Stool for Clostridium difficile test. In this scenario, the client is experiencing symptoms suggestive of a possible Clostridium difficile infection, a common complication of chemotherapy. The test is crucial to confirm the presence of C. difficile toxins in the stool, which would guide appropriate treatment with antibiotics such as metronidazole or vancomycin. A: Enzyme-linked immunosuppressant assay is not relevant in this context as it is used to measure levels of immunosuppressant drugs, not for diagnosing C. difficile infection. C: Flat palate X-ray of the abdomen is unnecessary and would not provide information about the cause of the symptoms. D: Electrolyte panel and hemogram are important for monitoring overall health status but do not directly address the specific issue of possible C. difficile infection.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Use barrier techniques. When taking the blood pressure of a client with AIDS, using barrier techniques such as gloves and disposable equipment is crucial to prevent the transmission of the virus through blood or bodily fluids. Wearing a mask and gown (choice A) may not be necessary unless there is a risk of splashes or sprays. Washing hands thoroughly (choice C) is important, but alone may not provide sufficient protection. Choice D is incomplete.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because hemoglobin carries oxygen to the tissues, and with a low hemoglobin level of 6 g/dL, there is insufficient oxygen-carrying capacity to meet the body's needs, leading to shortness of breath (SOB). Choice A is incorrect as anemia affects oxygen transport, not absorption. Choice C is incorrect as anemia affects oxygen delivery, not nutrient delivery. Choice D is incorrect as the primary reason for SOB in this scenario is the lack of oxygen-carrying capacity due to low hemoglobin levels, not lung damage from blood loss.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder that can cause anemia and fatigue. By maintaining the client on bed rest and protecting them from infections, we can help prevent complications such as fatigue and infections due to reduced red blood cell production. Ambulating the client frequently (choice B) may lead to increased fatigue and risk of injury. Advising to drink 3 quarts of fluid per day (choice C) is not specific to thalassemia treatment and could potentially worsen symptoms. Instructing the client to elevate lower extremities (choice D) is not directly related to managing thalassemia and may not provide significant benefits in this context.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Alteration in tissue perfusion related to bleeding and diminished blood flow. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a condition where blood clots form throughout the body, leading to both bleeding and clotting. This can result in decreased blood flow to tissues, causing tissue perfusion issues. Explanation: 1. Option A: Risk for increased cardiac output related to fluid volume excess is incorrect because DIC can lead to bleeding, causing a decrease in blood volume and potentially decreasing cardiac output. 2. Option B: Disturbed sensory perception related to bleeding into tissues is incorrect as DIC primarily affects blood clotting and bleeding, not sensory perception. 3. Option D: Risk for aspiration related to constriction of the respiratory musculature is incorrect as DIC does not directly cause constriction of respiratory muscles, but rather impacts the clotting and bleeding processes in the body. In summary, the correct answer is C because DIC can lead to altered tissue perfusion