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The nurse on a bone marrow transplant unit is caring for a patient with cancer who is preparing for HSCT. What is a priority nursing diagnosis for this patient?

  • A. Fatigue related to altered metabolic processes
  • B. Altered nutrition: less than body requirements related to anorexia
  • C. Risk for infection related to altered immunologic response
  • D. Body image disturbance related to weight loss and anorexia
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Risk for infection related to altered immunologic response. This is the priority nursing diagnosis for a patient preparing for hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) because the patient's immune system will be severely compromised post-transplant, leading to a high risk of infections. It is crucial to prioritize infection prevention to ensure the patient's safety and well-being.

Choice A is incorrect because while fatigue is common in cancer patients, it is not the priority in this case where infection risk is higher. Choice B is incorrect as altered nutrition can be addressed after managing the risk for infection. Choice D is incorrect as body image disturbance is important but not as critical as preventing infections in this highly vulnerable patient population.