A client with leukemia who is receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy has a platelet count of 25,000/mm3 (25 x 109/L). Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in this client's plan of care? Reference Range: Platelet Count [150,000 to 400,000/mm3 (156 400 x 109/L)]

A) Correct- With a significantly low platelet count, the risk of bleeding is elevated. Assessing urine and stool for occult (hidden) blood is important to detect any signs of internal bleeding that may not be immediately apparent. A low platelet count increases the risk of spontaneous bleeding, which can be life-threatening if undetected. B) Incorrect- This choice is related to neutropenia, not thrombocytopenia. Neutropenia, or low neutrophil count, increases the risk of infection, which is why monitoring temperature frequently is important. C) Incorrect- Monitoring for signs of activity intolerance is not directly related to the low platelet count. The primary concern with thrombocytopenia is the risk of bleeding, not generalized activity intolerance. D) Incorrect- Requiring visitors to wear respiratory masks is not relevant to the client's current condition of low platelet count. This action is related to infection control and protection from respiratory infections.