A client with leukemia has thrombocytopenia. Which intervention should the nurse implement to prevent injury?

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When caring for a client with leukemia who has thrombocytopenia, one key consideration is to minimize the risk of bleeding and injury. Thrombocytopenia indicates a low platelet count, which decreases the ability of the blood to clot. This condition makes the client more susceptible to bleeding even from minor injuries, which is why specific interventions are critical.

Providing an electric razor for shaving is a particularly effective intervention in this context. Compared to traditional razors, which can cause cuts and subsequent bleeding, electric razors are safer because they do not have exposed blades that can easily nick the skin. This reduces the likelihood of injury due to minor abrasions when the client is grooming, thereby helping to prevent further complications associated with thrombocytopenia.

The other options, while they may have roles in overall patient care, do not directly address the immediate need to prevent injury due to the client's low platelet levels as effectively as providing an electric razor does. Encouraging intramuscular injections, for example, would pose a risk of bleeding at the injection site. Monitoring vital signs is important for detecting any changes in the patient's condition, but does not directly mitigate the risk of injury. Performing routine blood testing is essential for tracking the client's hematological status but does not prevent

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