Which of the following routes should not be used to check temperature if a client receiving oncological treat… - PGIMER Chandigarh NO - 2015

PGIMER Chandigarh NO - 2015

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Medium

Appeared in: PGIMER Chandigarh NO - 2015

Explanation

The rectal route is contraindicated in clients receiving oncological treatment due to the high risk of introducing bacteria into the bloodstream through the fragile rectal mucosa.
Chemotherapy often causes neutropenia (low white blood cells), leaving the patient unable to fight infections. A breach in the rectal lining can lead to life-threatening sepsis.
These treatments also cause thrombocytopenia (low platelets), meaning even a minor injury from a thermometer can cause significant rectal bleeding.

Option A: The oral route is generally a safe and acceptable method for measuring temperature in oncology patients.
Option B: The tympanic (ear) route is a good, non-invasive alternative for core temperature measurement in oncology patients.
Option D: The axillary (armpit) route is the safest, non-invasive method and is acceptable for use, especially for screening.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Contraindications for temperature measurement in immunocompromised patients helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
A core nursing responsibility in oncology is protecting patients from infection. Avoiding the rectal route for any procedure, including temperature checks, is a critical component of neutropenic precautions.
Neutropenic fever is a medical emergency. Nurses must be vigilant in monitoring temperature, recognizing fever promptly, and initiating sepsis protocols as ordered.
Patient education is vital. The nurse should teach the patient and family about the signs of infection, the importance of taking temperature as directed, and which methods to use and avoid at home.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key patient population: 'a client receiving oncological treatment'. This should immediately trigger thoughts about the common side effects: immunosuppression and bleeding risks.
Next, analyze the question's constraint: 'which of the following routes should NOT be used'. This is a negative-framing question asking for the contraindicated option.
Evaluate each temperature route based on the risks for an immunocompromised patient.
Oral route: Risk of injury if mouth sores are present, but otherwise acceptable.
Tympanic route: Generally safe and non-invasive.
Axillary route: Very safe, but less accurate.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Contraindications for temperature measurement in immunocompromised patients
Stem keywords: routes, check temperature, oncological treatment
Lead-in keywords: should not be used
Clinical cues: The phrase 'oncological treatment' is a key clinical cue, implying potential immunosuppression (neutropenia) and bleeding risk (thrombocytopenia).
Negative lead-in flag: Negative framing: The question asks which route to AVOID.

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