A nurse is reinforcing teaching with the guardians of a preschooler who has leukemia. The nurse should identify that which of the following educational topics is the priority to include?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Promoting nutrition: While nutrition is important, preventing infections is more urgent in a preschooler with leukemia. Leukemia and its treatments, such as chemotherapy, can significantly weaken the immune system, making the child more susceptible to infections. B. Preventing infections: Preventing infections is critical for children with leukemia because their immune systems are compromised, either by the disease itself or by treatments like chemotherapy. Educating the guardians on how to prevent infections (e.g., hand hygiene, avoiding crowds, keeping the environment clean) is crucial to avoid serious complications. C. Supporting psychological wellness: While psychological support is important, the priority for a preschooler with leukemia is to focus on preventing infections and ensuring their physical well-being, as infections can lead to severe consequences. D. Managing mucosal ulcerations: Mucosal ulcerations can be a concern for children undergoing cancer treatment, but preventing infections is a more immediate and potentially life-saving priority. Once infections are controlled, mucosal ulcerations can also be addressed.