Nokea
A client has a platelet count of 9800/mm^3. What action by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A platelet count of 9800/mm^3 is severely low (normal is 150,000-450,000/mm^3), indicating thrombocytopenia, a common chemotherapy side effect that heightens bleeding risk. The most appropriate action is instructing the client to call for help before getting out of bed to prevent falls or injuries that could trigger uncontrolled bleeding, such as intracranial hemorrhage. Assessing for calf pain, warmth, and redness checks for thrombosis, which is unrelated to low platelets thrombosis risk rises with high counts. Obtaining cultures relates to infection, tied to low white cells, not platelets. Protective isolation is for neutropenia, not thrombocytopenia. This safety-focused intervention minimizes physical risk, crucial in oncology where low platelets demand proactive prevention to avoid life-threatening bleeds, empowering the client while ensuring nurse oversight.