For a child with leukopenia due to chemotherapy, which intervention should the nurse include in the care plan?

Monitoring for an increased temperature is a critical intervention for a child with leukopenia, particularly one undergoing chemotherapy. Leukopenia refers to a low white blood cell count, which significantly increases the risk of infections since white blood cells play a key role in the immune response. Chemotherapy often leads to both bone marrow suppression and a depletion of these vital cells.

By closely monitoring the child's temperature, the nurse can quickly identify any signs of infection, which may manifest as a fever in this population. Prompt detection is essential because an infection in a leukopenic patient can progress rapidly due to the body's diminished ability to fight off pathogens.

On the other hand, while administering vitamin supplements might seem beneficial, it does not directly address the acute risks associated with leukopenia. Encouraging outdoor activities may expose the child to infectious agents, which could be dangerous given their compromised immune system. Additionally, scheduling frequent immunizations is generally not recommended during periods of severe leukopenia, as the vaccines may not be effective and some live vaccines could pose a risk to an immunocompromised child. Therefore, monitoring for increased temperature stands out as a vital and clinically relevant intervention that directly supports the child's safety and health.