A nurse assesses a neutrophil count of 900/mm3 in a patient with acute leukemia. Which action should the nurse anticipate initiating?

A. Injections of blood-building medication: While Epoetin may be used for RBCs, the immediate priority for a low neutrophil count is infection prevention. B. A high-protein diet: While protein helps healing, it does not provide the immediate protection needed for a neutropenic patient. C. Compromised host precautions: A neutrophil count below 1,000/ mm3 (neutropenia) places the patient at high risk for infection. Protective isolation (neutropenic precautions) is required. D. Increased doses of steroids: Steroids can actually mask signs of infection and further suppress the immune response, which would be risky here.