The client with cancer is receiving chemotherapy and develops thrombocytopenia. The nurse identifies which intervention is the highest priority in the nursing plan of care?
A. Monitoring temperature
B. Monitoring for pathological factors
C. Ambulation three times a day
D. Monitoring the platelet count
Correct Answer: D. Monitoring the platelet count
Option D: Thrombocytopenia indicates a decrease in the number of platelets in the circulating blood. A major concern is monitoring for and preventing bleeding.
Option A: Relates to monitoring for infection particularly if leukopenia is present.
Options B and C: Although monitoring the pathological factors and ambulation are important in the plan of care. They are not related directly to thrombocytopenia.