As a prophylactic measure \ \ \ \ \ \ is used to prevent chemotherapy-induced neutropenia when highly myelosu… - RRB Nsg. Superintendent - 29 April 2025 (Shift-3rd)

RRB Nsg. Superintendent - 29 April 2025 (Shift-3rd)

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent - 29 April 2025 (Shift-3rd)

Explanation

Chemotherapy often suppresses bone marrow, leading to neutropenia (low neutrophil count), which increases infection risk.
WBC growth factors, also known as Colony-Stimulating Factors (CSFs), are biologic agents that stimulate the bone marrow to produce more white blood cells, specifically neutrophils.
Administering CSFs like Filgrastim (G-CSF) or Pegfilgrastim prophylactically after chemotherapy shortens the duration and severity of neutropenia.
This preventative action reduces the patient's risk of developing life-threatening infections while their immune system is compromised.

Option A: Platelet transfusions are given to increase a patient's platelet count, not their white blood cell count.
Option C: Antibiotics treat or prevent bacterial infections; they do not prevent the underlying cause, which is the low neutrophil count (neutropenia).
Option D: Blood transfusions, specifically of Packed Red Blood Cells (PRBCs), are used to treat anemia (low hemoglobin and hematocrit), not neutropenia.

Visual 1: Diagram: Illustrating how G-CSF (Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor) acts on hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow to specifically promote the proliferation and maturation of neutrophils.
Visual 2: Flowchart: Showing the timeline of chemotherapy administration, the subsequent drop in neutrophil count (nadir), and the prophylactic window for administering WBC growth factors to shorten the period of neutropenia.
Visual 3: Infographic: Comparing the different blood components and their primary uses: PRBCs for anemia, platelets for thrombocytopenia, and FFP for clotting factor deficiencies, contrasting them with the function of WBC growth factors.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Prophylactic management of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses are responsible for administering WBC growth factors (e.g., Filgrastim) via subcutaneous injection and educating patients on self-administration.
A key nursing role is monitoring for side effects of WBC growth factors, the most common of which is bone pain, and managing it with analgesics.
Patient education on neutropenic precautions (e.g., hand hygiene, avoiding crowds, monitoring for fever) is a critical nursing intervention to prevent infection during the period of risk.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'prophylactic measure' (prevention), 'chemotherapy-induced neutropenia' (low white blood cells caused by chemo).
The goal is to find an option that prevents low WBCs, not one that treats a consequence of it.
Analyze Option A (Platelet transfusion): Platelets are for clotting. This treats thrombocytopenia, not neutropenia. Eliminate.
Analyze Option C (Antibiotics): Antibiotics fight infection. Infections are a risk of neutropenia, but antibiotics don't raise the WBC count. Eliminate.
Analyze Option D (Blood transfusion): This typically means red blood cells, which carry oxygen. This treats anemia, not neutropenia. Eliminate.
Analyze Option B (WBC growth factors): The name itself suggests it 'grows' white blood cells. This directly addresses the problem of preventing low WBC counts. This is the most logical answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Prophylactic management of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia
Stem keywords: prophylactic measure, chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, myelosuppressive chemotherapy
Lead-in keywords: is used to prevent
Negative lead-in flag: false

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