What is the nurse's primary concern in treating a child newly diagnosed with leukemia?

In the case of a child newly diagnosed with leukemia, the primary concern is to decrease the risk of infection. Leukemia often leads to the suppression of the bone marrow function, which results in low levels of white blood cells, specifically neutrophils that are crucial for fighting infections. Given this immunocompromised state, the risk of infections is significantly heightened, making it essential for the nurse to implement measures that minimize this risk.

This includes ensuring good hygiene practices, monitoring for signs of infection, and educating the family on infection prevention. Although managing pain, increasing fluid intake, and monitoring nutritional status are also important aspects of care, they take a secondary position to the critical need to prevent infections in this vulnerable population. An effective infection control strategy is vital to ensure the child's safety and overall treatment success.