During induction chemotherapy, the leukemia patient is severely immunocompromised and at risk of serious infection. Fresh flowers, fruit, and plants can carry microbes and should be avoided.

Options A, B, and D: Books, pictures, and other personal items can be cleaned with antimicrobials before being brought into the room to minimize the risk of contamination.

The peak incidence of ALL is at 4 years (range 3-10).

Option B: It is uncommon after the mid-teen years.
Option C: The peak incidence of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is 45-55 years.
Option D: The peak incidence of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) occurs at 60 years. Two-thirds of cases of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) occur after 60 years.

Symptoms of Hodgkin’s disease include night sweats, fatigue, weakness, and tachycardia.

Option A: The disease is characterized by painless, enlarged cervical lymph nodes.
Option C: Nausea and vomiting are not typically symptoms of Hodgkin’s disease.
Option D: Weight loss occurs early in the disease.

A definitive diagnosis of Hodgkin’s disease is made if Reed-Sternberg cells are found on pathologic examination of the excised lymph node.

Option A: Lymphoblasts are immature cells found in the bone marrow of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Option C: Gaucher’s cells are large storage cells found in patients with Gaucher’s disease.
Option D: Rieder’s cells are myeloblasts found in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia.

Slow, deep breathing is the most effective method of reducing anxiety and stress. It reduces the level of carbon dioxide in the brain to increase calm and relaxation.

Option A: Warning the patient to remain still will likely increase her anxiety.
Option B: Encouraging family members to stay with the patient may make her worry about their anxiety as well as her own.
Option D: Delaying the procedure is unlikely to allay her fears.