Ms. Blatchberg has leukopenia. Which of the following should the nurse include in client teaching?

Ms. Blatchberg has leukopenia. Which of the following should the nurse include in client teaching?

• A. Gums may bleed when she brushes her teeth.
• B. She should try to eat green leafy vegetables.
• C. She should ensure she receives the influenza vaccine.
• D. She should avoid people with communicable diseases.

Answer: (D)

Low white blood cell count weakens the body’s ability to fight infections, so preventing exposure to pathogens is the most important teaching. When defenses are down, even common illnesses can become serious, making avoidance of people who are ill or contagious a direct and effective precaution. Emphasize strict hand hygiene, monitoring for fever or signs of infection, and seeking prompt medical advice if symptoms appear. Other choices don’t target the infection risk as directly: gum bleeding points to platelet issues rather than leukopenia; raw leafy greens raise concerns about infection from uncooked foods in someone with a lowered immune system; vaccines may be considered on an individual basis, but avoiding contact with contagious people is the strongest, immediate protective measure.

Low white blood cell count weakens the body’s ability to fight infections, so preventing exposure to pathogens is the most important teaching. When defenses are down, even common illnesses can become serious, making avoidance of people who are ill or contagious a direct and effective precaution. Emphasize strict hand hygiene, monitoring for fever or signs of infection, and seeking prompt medical advice if symptoms appear. Other choices don’t target the infection risk as directly: gum bleeding points to platelet issues rather than leukopenia; raw leafy greens raise concerns about infection from uncooked foods in someone with a lowered immune system; vaccines may be considered on an individual basis, but avoiding contact with contagious people is the strongest, immediate protective measure.