Which statement made by a patient on chemotherapy with a low platelet count requires further nursing education?

Which statement made by a patient on chemotherapy with a low platelet count requires further nursing education?

• A. I play football with my kids to feel normal.
• B. I rest and avoid contact sports.
• C. I notice bruising is minimal.
• D. I take my medications as prescribed.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that a low platelet count from chemotherapy increases the risk of bleeding and bruising, so activities that involve contact or a higher chance of injury should be avoided until platelets recover. Playing football with kids falls into that high‑risk category because it can lead to bumps, falls, and trauma that might result in significant bleeding or internal injuries with thrombocytopenia. That’s why this statement requires further nursing education—it shows a choice that could put the patient at harm despite the desire to feel normal. Other responses align with safety or neutral observations. Resting and avoiding contact sports is consistent with safer behavior when platelets are low. Noting bruising as minimal can be a common sign to monitor, but it doesn’t by itself indicate an unsafe action. Taking medications as prescribed reflects adherence to the treatment plan. If the patient wants to stay active, safer options include low‑impact activities and avoiding contact sports, plus using protective measures and consulting the healthcare team about activity levels based on current platelet counts.

The main idea is that a low platelet count from chemotherapy increases the risk of bleeding and bruising, so activities that involve contact or a higher chance of injury should be avoided until platelets recover. Playing football with kids falls into that high‑risk category because it can lead to bumps, falls, and trauma that might result in significant bleeding or internal injuries with thrombocytopenia. That’s why this statement requires further nursing education—it shows a choice that could put the patient at harm despite the desire to feel normal.

Other responses align with safety or neutral observations. Resting and avoiding contact sports is consistent with safer behavior when platelets are low. Noting bruising as minimal can be a common sign to monitor, but it doesn’t by itself indicate an unsafe action. Taking medications as prescribed reflects adherence to the treatment plan. If the patient wants to stay active, safer options include low‑impact activities and avoiding contact sports, plus using protective measures and consulting the healthcare team about activity levels based on current platelet counts.