When planning care for a client with acute myelogenous leukemia, which intervention should be included?

In acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), the client’s ability to produce blood cells, including platelets and white blood cells, is significantly compromised due to the disease and its treatment. This increases the risk of bleeding and infection.

Including the intervention to avoid intramuscular (IM) injections is crucial in the care plan. IM injections can cause local tissue damage and may lead to bleeding, given that platelet counts are often low in patients with leukemia. Therefore, opting for less invasive routes for medication administration, such as intravenous or oral routes, is preferred to minimize the risk of complications associated with bleeding.

On the other hand, monitoring for signs of infection is indeed critical in managing a leukemia patient, as they are more susceptible to infections due to neutropenia, which is a common complication. Encouraging a diet high in protein can support overall health, but it is not as priority-specific regarding immediate care related to the intrinsic risks associated with leukemia. Performing IM injections is contraindicated due to the heightened risk associated with bleeding.