End
1 :

White blood cell count: 2,000/mm3 (5,000 to 10,000/mmA)

Absolute neutrophil count: 1,000/mm3 (less than 1,000/mm3)

Hemoglobin: 11 g/dL (9.5 to 14 g/dL)

Platelets: 120,000/mm3 (150,000 to 400,000/mm3)

Temperature: 37.80 C (1000 F)

Heart rate:110/min

Respiratory rate: 22/min

Blood Pressure: 96/51 mm Hg

Child is a 4-year-old male preschooler was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) with standard risk last week and is in the induction phase of therapy. Chemotherapy with vincristine and doxorubicin was initiated (last therapy received 3 days ago. The child is current with immunizations. The child has an intolerance to lactose and has no known medical allergies.


After reviewing the child's information, which of the following potential issues should the nurse identify that the child is at risk for developing? (Select all that apply.)


Answer Options

Hint : ๐ŸงฌChemo causes cell & nerve damage.

Correct Answers:

  • Alopecia
  • Tumor lysis syndrome
  • Hemorrhage
  • Peripheral neuropathy


Rationale :

๐Ÿ”ท Alopecia is a common side effect of chemotherapy, especially agents like vincristine and doxorubicin, which target rapidly dividing cells.

๐Ÿ”ท These agents damage hair follicle cells, leading to hair loss typically within 1โ€“2 weeks of treatment initiation.

๐Ÿ”ท The psychosocial impact of alopecia is significant in pediatric clients and must be addressed through therapeutic support.

๐Ÿ”ท Scalp cooling or discussions about hair coverings can help reduce distress.

๐Ÿ”ท Parents should be educated that hair typically regrows after the treatment phase.

Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS)

๐Ÿ”ท TLS is a potentially life-threatening emergency associated with rapid destruction of malignant cells, particularly in leukemia during induction therapy.

๐Ÿ”ท The breakdown of tumor cells releases potassium, phosphate, and uric acid, leading to electrolyte imbalances and renal failure.

๐Ÿ”ท This child is in the induction phase of chemotherapy, which is the highest risk period for TLS.

๐Ÿ”ท Prophylactic measures like hydration and allopurinol may be implemented to reduce risk.

๐Ÿ”ท Nurses must monitor for signs like nausea, vomiting, lethargy, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Hemorrhage

๐Ÿ”ท The childโ€™s platelet count is 120,000/mmยณ, below the normal range (150,000โ€“400,000), placing them at risk for bleeding.

๐Ÿ”ท Thrombocytopenia is a common complication of chemotherapy due to bone marrow suppression.

๐Ÿ”ท The nurse should monitor for signs of bleeding gums, petechiae, hematuria, and bruising.

๐Ÿ”ท Injury prevention measures are critical, including soft toothbrush use and avoiding IM injections.

๐Ÿ”ท The nurse should ensure availability of platelet transfusion if levels fall further.

Peripheral Neuropathy

๐Ÿ”ท Vincristine, a chemotherapy drug used in this clientโ€™s treatment, commonly causes peripheral neuropathy.

๐Ÿ”ท Neuropathy results from nerve damage, leading to tingling, numbness, or weakness, often in the hands and feet.

๐Ÿ”ท In children, this may manifest as difficulty walking, decreased reflexes, or constipation due to autonomic involvement.

๐Ÿ”ท Nurses must assess for gait disturbances, loss of fine motor skills, and report findings promptly.

๐Ÿ”ท Dose adjustment may be required if neuropathy is severe.


Distractor Analysis :

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