What is the priority teaching after a stem cell transplant?

• A. Monitor daily weight and diet.
• B. Engage in contact sports immediately.
• C. Discontinue all antibiotics.
• D. Prevent infection and report fever.

Answer: (D)

In stem cell transplant patients, the immune system is severely weakened, so preventing infection and recognizing fever early becomes the top priority. Fever can be an early sign of infection in someone who is neutropenic, and delaying treatment can lead to rapid health decline. That’s why teaching focuses on infection prevention measures and the importance of reporting any fever right away.

Think about what keeps someone with a fragile immune system safe: strict hand hygiene, avoiding crowded places and sick individuals, practicing careful food handling (like fully cooked foods and avoiding raw options that can harbor pathogens), and maintaining a clean environment. Also, they should be aware that even common illnesses can be serious, so they should monitor for fever and contact a healthcare provider promptly if one develops.

The other options don’t address this urgent risk. Monitoring weight and diet is helpful for overall care but doesn’t tackle infection prevention. Engaging in contact sports is unsafe for someone with a suppressed immune system. Stopping antibiotics is dangerous and could lead to a preventable infection.