A nurse is planning care for a patient with leukopenia caused by chemotherapy. Which nursing action best promotes a safe environment and minimizes the patient's risk of infection?

Rationale: A. Encourage the patient to eat fresh fruits and vegetables to boost immunity is incorrect because raw fruits and vegetables can harbor bacteria and fungi. Patients with leukopenia often require a neutropenic (low-bacteria) diet to reduce the risk of infection. B. Place the patient in a private room and restrict visitors with signs of illness is correct because leukopenia significantly increases the risk of infection. Protective isolation measures, including a private room and limiting exposure to ill visitors, help minimize contact with pathogens and promote a safe environment. C. Allow the patient to share common equipment like blood pressure cuffs with other patients is incorrect because shared equipment can transmit microorganisms and increase the patient’s risk of infection. Dedicated equipment should be used whenever possible. D. Avoid wearing masks when caring for the patient to promote comfort and communication is incorrect because masks and proper personal protective equipment (PPE) are important infection-control measures to protect immunocompromised patients from exposure to infectious organisms.