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A nurse is caring for a patient with neutropenia caused by chemotherapy. Which instruction would be important to help prevent pneumonia in this patient? Option 1: Encourage the patient to perform deep breathing exercises. Option 2: Administer prophylactic antibiotics daily. Option 3: Limit the patient's fluid intake to prevent pulmonary congestion. Option 4: Provide a diet rich in raw fruits and vegetables.

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Final answer:

In a patient with neutropenia caused by chemotherapy, deep breathing exercises and administration of prophylactic antibiotics can be useful in preventing pneumonia. Limiting fluid intake and a diet rich in raw fruits and vegetables, however, may not be beneficial due to the need for proper hydration and the risk of infection from uncooked produce.

Step-by-step explanation:

Neutropenia, a condition characterized by a reduction in neutrophils which are a type of white blood cell, can raise a patient's susceptibility to infections, especially from bacteria and fungi. A patient with neutropenia caused by chemotherapy, like the one referred to in the question, needs special care to prevent pneumonia.

Option 1: Encouraging the patient to perform deep breathing exercises can be beneficial. These exercises help to improve lung capacity and efficiency, and can help to prevent pneumonia by ensuring that the lungs are cleared of any potential infectious agents.

Option 2: The administration of prophylactic antibiotics prevents bacterial infections which can lead to pneumonia, especially in neutropenic patients. However, it must be done judiciously, as inappropriate use can lead to antibiotic resistance.

Option 3: Limiting the patient's fluid intake to prevent pulmonary congestion may not be beneficial in preventing pneumonia, as adequate hydration is essential for proper body function, including immune response.

Option 4: Providing a diet rich in raw fruits and vegetables may not be advisable for a patient with neutropenia caused by chemotherapy. This is because raw fruits and vegetables can carry harmful bacteria or fungi, thus increasing the risk of infection.

Learn more about Preventing Pneumonia

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User Tahir Hassan
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