Nokea
The nurse is teaching the parents of a 15-year-old who is being treated for acute myelogenous leukemia about the side effects of chemotherapy. For which of the following symptoms should the parents seek medical care immediately?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Chemotherapy for acute myelogenous leukemia suppresses the immune system by reducing white blood cell production, leaving the child highly susceptible to infections. A fever of 101.5°F is a critical sign in this context, as it may indicate an infection that, without a functioning immune response, could rapidly progress to sepsis a life-threatening condition. Parents must seek immediate medical care to evaluate and treat the underlying cause, often requiring emergency department intervention. While earache, stiff neck, or sore throat could suggest infection, they are less urgent without fever and may not necessitate immediate action unless severe. Blisters, ulcers, or rashes might reflect chemotherapy side effects like mucositis or drug reactions, manageable with outpatient care unless infected. Difficulty swallowing could stem from mucositis or infection, but fever trumps it in urgency due to its systemic implications. Educating parents to prioritize fever ensures timely intervention, aligning with oncology nursing's focus on preventing complications in immunocompromised pediatric patients.