Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Management of Patients With Hematologic Neoplasms Related

Review Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Management of Patients With Hematologic Neoplasms related questions and content

A patient who is undergoing consolidation therapy for the treatment of leukemia has been experiencing debilitating fatigue. How can the nurse best meet this patients needs for physical activity?

  • A. Teach the patient about the risks of immobility and the benefits of exercise.
  • B. Assist the patient to a chair during awake times, as tolerated.
  • C. Collaborate with the physical therapist to arrange for stair exercises.
  • D. Teach the patient to perform deep breathing and coughing exercises.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Sitting in a chair is preferable to bed rest, even if a patient is experiencing severe fatigue. A patient who has debilitating fatigue would not likely be able to perform stair exercises. Teaching about mobility may be necessary, but education must be followed by interventions that actually involve mobility. Deep breathing and coughing reduce the risk of respiratory complications but are not substitutes for physical mobility in preventing deconditioning.