After receiving five doses of filgrastim, the nurse notes that the client's white blood cell count has increased from 2,500/mm3 (2.5 x 10 /L) to 5,000/mm3 (5 x 105/L). Which action should the nurse implement?Reference Range:White Blood Cell (WBC) [5,000 to 10,000/mm3 (5 to 10 x 109/L)]
Explanation & Rationale
A. Assess the client's vital signs: While it is always important to monitor vital signs, the increase in white blood cell (WBC) count indicates a positive response to filgrastim, and there is no immediate concern requiring urgent vital sign assessment based on the WBC count alone.B. Review the client's culture and sensitivity reports: Reviewing culture reports is necessary when managing an active infection, but the question does not indicate the client currently has an infection. The focus here is evaluating the medication's effectiveness.C. Implement neutropenic precautions: Neutropenic precautions are necessary when the WBC count is critically low. Since the client's WBC has improved into the low-normal range, these precautions are no longer necessary.D. Inform the client that the medication has been effective: Filgrastim is used to stimulate WBC production. The client's WBC count has increased to the normal range after five doses, demonstrating that the medication is working effectively as intended.