Free Oncology practice for ATI Oncology Quiz (ATI RN). Answer 60 nursing exam-style questions with rationales, exam mode, and progress tracking on Nursing Elite
A nursing student is caring for a patient with acute myeloid leukemia who is preparing to undergo induction therapy. In preparing a plan of care for this patient, the student should assign the highest priority to which nursing diagnosis?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is B: Risk for Infection. Induction therapy for acute myeloid leukemia suppresses the immune system, making the patient highly susceptible to infections due to neutropenia. Preventing infections is crucial in these patients to avoid complications. Activity Intolerance (Choice A) may be a concern, but infection prevention is of higher priority. Acute Confusion (Choice C) and Risk for Spiritual Distress (Choice D) are not the immediate priorities in this situation.
The nurse is instructing a client to perform a testicular self-examination (TSE). What information should the nurse provide about the procedure?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is B. The best time to perform a testicular self-examination is after a warm shower when the scrotal skin is relaxed. This makes it easier to detect any abnormalities. Choice A is incorrect because the examination should ideally be done while standing. Choice C is incorrect as the client should use both hands to roll each testicle between the thumb and fingers to feel for any lumps or changes in size. Choice D is incorrect because testicular self-examinations are recommended to be done monthly, not every 6 months, to monitor changes in the testicles.
A patient with advanced leukemia is responding poorly to treatment. The nurse finds the patient tearful and trying to express his feelings, but he is clearly having difficulty. What is the nurses most appropriate action?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Providing emotional support and discussing the uncertain future are crucial.
A nurse enters the room of a patient with bladder cancer. The patient asks the nurse about the actions of chemotherapeutic drugs. Which of the following statements by the nurse is correct?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Chemotherapy drugs are designed to target and destroy rapidly dividing cells, which include cancer cells. Cancer cells often divide more quickly than normal cells, and chemotherapeutic agents exploit this characteristic to inhibit their growth and promote cell death. While chemotherapy can also affect other rapidly dividing normal cells (such as those in the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract, and hair follicles), the primary goal is to target cancerous cells.
A patient with Hodgkin lymphoma is receiving chemotherapy. Which side effect is the nurse most concerned about?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is D, Peripheral neuropathy. This can be a serious and dose-limiting side effect of chemotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma. Peripheral neuropathy can cause tingling, numbness, and pain in the hands and feet due to nerve damage. While nausea and vomiting, alopecia, and fatigue are common side effects of chemotherapy, they are not typically as concerning or dose-limiting as peripheral neuropathy in the context of Hodgkin lymphoma treatment.
The nurse is caring for a patient who is to begin receiving external radiation for a malignant tumor of the neck. While providing patient education, what potential adverse effects should the nurse discuss with the patient?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Corrected Rationale: Impaired nutritional status is a potential adverse effect of radiotherapy to the head and neck due to alterations in oral mucosa and taste. While cognitive changes, diarrhea, and alopecia can be side effects of other treatments or conditions, they are not typically associated with external radiation for a malignant tumor of the neck. Therefore, the nurse should primarily focus on discussing the risk of impaired nutritional status with the patient.
A patient diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia has just been admitted to the oncology unit. When writing this patient's care plan, what potential complication should the nurse address?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is B: Hemorrhage. Patients with acute myelogenous leukemia are at high risk of hemorrhage due to low platelet count and abnormal clotting factors caused by bone marrow suppression. Pancreatitis (choice A) is not a common complication of acute myelogenous leukemia. Arteritis (choice C) refers to inflammation of arteries and is not a typical complication of this type of leukemia. Liver dysfunction (choice D) is not a primary concern in the immediate care plan for a patient with acute myelogenous leukemia.
The patient is anxious about subjection to radiation therapy. Which of the following statements of the student nurse requires additional teaching?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is D because the statement 'Chemotherapy is effective in killing all cancer cells' is incorrect. Chemotherapy does not kill all cancer cells and is not the same as radiation therapy. Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells, but it may not kill every single cancer cell. It is important for the student nurse to understand and communicate this distinction to the patient. Choices A, B, and C provide accurate information about teletherapy, brachytherapy, and chemotherapy, respectively, and do not require additional teaching.
A client has been prescribed epoetin alfa for anemia related to chemotherapy. What lab value should the nurse monitor to determine the effectiveness of this medication?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Epoetin alfa is a medication used to treat anemia, particularly anemia related to chemotherapy or chronic kidney disease. It stimulates the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells, which increases the hemoglobin level. Monitoring hemoglobin is the best way to assess the effectiveness of epoetin alfa, as an increase in hemoglobin indicates that the body is producing more red blood cells and the anemia is improving.
When working with clients experiencing alopecia, what is the best method for a nurse to help them manage the psychosocial impact of this issue?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Assisting the client in pre-planning for alopecia is the best method to help them manage the psychosocial impact of the issue. By helping clients anticipate and prepare for the challenges associated with alopecia, they can cope better with the psychological impact. Reassuring the client that alopecia is temporary (choice B) may provide false hope as some types of alopecia are permanent. Teaching ways to protect the scalp (choice C) is important but not the most effective method for managing the psychosocial impact. Telling the client that there are worse side effects (choice D) is dismissive of the client's feelings and not helpful in addressing the psychosocial impact of alopecia.
A patient with multiple myeloma has developed hypercalcemia. What symptoms should the nurse monitor for in this patient?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is C: Muscle weakness. In patients with multiple myeloma who have developed hypercalcemia, monitoring for muscle weakness is crucial. Hypercalcemia can lead to muscle weakness due to its effects on neuromuscular function. Choice A, increased heart rate, is more commonly associated with conditions like dehydration or anxiety rather than hypercalcemia. Choice B, decreased urine output, is commonly seen in conditions leading to acute kidney injury rather than hypercalcemia. Choice D, hypertension, is not a typical symptom of hypercalcemia and is more commonly associated with other conditions like uncontrolled high blood pressure.
A client is receiving chemotherapy through a peripheral IV line. What action by the nurse is most important?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Chemotherapy drugs are often vesicants, meaning they can cause severe tissue damage if they leak (extravasate) outside of the vein. When chemotherapy is administered through a peripheral IV line, it is crucial for the nurse to frequently assess the IV site for signs of complications such as redness, swelling, or pain, which could indicate extravasation. Checking for blood return ensures the IV catheter is still in the vein and functioning properly. Preventing tissue damage from chemotherapy extravasation is a top priority, and frequent monitoring helps ensure the infusion is proceeding safely.
Nurse Kent is teaching a male client to perform monthly testicular self-examinations. Which of the following points would be appropriate to make?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Testicular cancer is indeed highly treatable and curable, particularly when detected early through regular self-examinations. The survival rates for testicular cancer are very high, with many cases being treatable even if the cancer has spread, thanks to effective treatment options such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Educating clients on the importance of early detection through monthly testicular self-examinations can empower them to recognize any changes early, increasing the likelihood of successful treatment.
A 16-year-old female patient experiences alopecia resulting from chemotherapy, prompting the nursing diagnoses of disturbed body image and situational low self-esteem. What action by the patient would best indicate that she is meeting the goal of improved body image and self-esteem?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
When a patient experiences alopecia due to chemotherapy, it can significantly impact their self-esteem and body image, particularly in adolescents who are especially sensitive to physical changes. A request for makeup and a wig indicates that the patient is actively taking steps to enhance her appearance and cope with the changes brought on by her treatment. This action reflects a positive engagement with her body image and suggests a desire to feel more comfortable and confident in her appearance, signaling an improvement in her self-esteem.
A nurse knows that all of the following are managements of breast cancer except:
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
In the management of breast cancer, particularly after procedures such as a mastectomy, it is important to position the patient in a way that promotes healing and comfort. However, lying down with 1-2 pillows is not a standard practice for postoperative care. Instead, patients are often advised to elevate the affected arm to reduce swelling and promote drainage, and they may benefit from sleeping in a more upright position if they are experiencing discomfort. The focus should be on facilitating recovery rather than simply lying down.
Following an extensive diagnostic workup, an older adult patient has been diagnosed with a secondary myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). What assessment question most directly addresses the potential etiology of this patient's health problem?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is A. Secondary MDS can occur at any age and results from prior toxic exposure to chemicals, including chemotherapeutic medications. Asking about exposure to toxic chemicals in previous jobs directly addresses the potential etiology of this patient's health problem. Choices B, C, and D are not as directly related to the etiology of secondary MDS. Recurrent infections (Choice B) are not a known cause of MDS. Family history (Choice C) is more pertinent to primary MDS, which has a genetic component, while sun exposure (Choice D) is not associated with the etiology of MDS.
A patient has been found to have an indolent neoplasm. The nurse should recognize what implication of this condition?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is A: 'The patient faces a significant risk of malignancy.' Indolent neoplasms are characterized by their slow growth and relatively low malignancy potential; however, they do have the capability to progress to malignancy over time. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they make assumptions about specific types of leukemia and hemophilia, which are not necessarily related to the presence of an indolent neoplasm.
An emergency department nurse is triaging a 77-year-old man who presents with uncharacteristic fatigue as well as back and rib pain. The patient denies any recent injuries. The nurse should recognize the need for this patient to be assessed for what health problem?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is multiple myeloma (choice C). Back pain is a common presenting symptom in multiple myeloma, especially in older patients. This malignancy can lead to bone pain due to bone destruction and fractures. Hodgkin disease (choice A) and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (choice B) typically present with symptoms like painless lymph node enlargement, fever, and weight loss. Acute thrombocythemia (choice D) is characterized by an increase in platelet count but is not typically associated with the symptoms described by the patient.
The community health nurse is instructing a group of young female clients about breast self-examination. The nurse should instruct the clients to perform the examination at which time?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The optimal time for performing a breast self-examination (BSE) is about one week after menstruation begins, as this is when the breasts are least likely to be swollen, tender, or affected by hormonal changes. Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can cause temporary changes in breast tissue, such as swelling, lumpiness, or tenderness, which may make it more difficult to detect any unusual lumps or changes. Conducting the examination during this period ensures that the breasts are in their natural state, making it easier to notice any abnormalities.
A nurse at a long-term care facility is amending the care plan of a resident who has just been diagnosed with essential thrombocythemia (ET). The nurse should anticipate the administration of what medication?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Hydroxyurea is effective in lowering the platelet count for patients with ET.
A healthcare professional is assessing a female client who is taking hormone therapy for breast cancer. What assessment finding requires the healthcare professional to notify the primary health care provider immediately?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is D. A red, warm, swollen calf may indicate a deep vein thrombosis, which is a medical emergency. This finding requires immediate notification of the primary health care provider to prevent potential complications such as pulmonary embolism. Choices A, B, and C are not indicative of life-threatening conditions and should be monitored but do not require immediate notification like a suspected deep vein thrombosis.
A client with neutropenia is admitted to the hospital. What precaution is most important for the nurse to implement?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is A: Strict hand hygiene. Neutropenic clients have a low level of neutrophils, which are important in fighting infections. Therefore, maintaining strict hand hygiene is crucial in preventing the introduction of pathogens that could lead to infections. Limiting visitor contact (choice B) is important but not as critical as preventing the introduction of pathogens through proper hand hygiene. Administering prophylactic antibiotics (choice C) and blood products (choice D) are treatment measures and do not address the preventive aspect that hand hygiene provides.
An oncology patient will begin a course of chemotherapy and radiation therapy for the treatment of bone metastases. What is one means by which malignant disease processes transfer cells from one place to another?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is D: Invading healthy host tissues. Invasion is the process where malignant cells grow into surrounding healthy tissues, allowing the cancer to spread to other parts of the body. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Adhering to primary tumor cells does not involve the transfer of cells to other locations, inducing mutation of cells of another organ is not a mechanism of cell transfer, and phagocytizing healthy cells refers to the process of engulfing and digesting cells, which is not a method of cancer cell transfer.
A patient with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is receiving induction therapy. What is the priority nursing intervention during this phase of treatment?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Induction therapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) involves intensive chemotherapy aimed at achieving remission by eliminating a large number of cancerous cells. However, this aggressive treatment also severely reduces the production of healthy blood cells, including neutrophils, which leads to neutropenia (a dangerously low number of neutrophils). This makes the patient highly susceptible to infections, which can be life-threatening. Monitoring for signs of infection is critical during this phase, as infections may occur quickly and progress rapidly due to the compromised immune system. Early detection and prompt treatment of infections are vital to improving patient outcomes during induction therapy.
During a health promotion program on testicular cancer, a community health nurse finds that more information is necessary if a community member says which of the following is a sign of testicular cancer?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is A, 'Alopecia.' Alopecia is not a sign of testicular cancer; it can occur due to chemotherapy. Back pain (choice B) is not typically associated with testicular cancer. Painless testicular swelling (choice C) and a heavy sensation in the scrotum (choice D) can be actual signs of testicular cancer, so they do not require further information.
A client is diagnosed as having a positive reaction to the Mantoux test. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing action?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is to schedule the client for a chest x-ray. A positive Mantoux test indicates exposure to TB, but it does not confirm active disease. A chest x-ray is necessary to assess the presence of active TB disease. Isolating the client in a private room (Choice A) is not necessary based solely on a positive Mantoux test result. Administering isoniazid (INH) (Choice B) or beginning a 9-month course of medication therapy (Choice D) is premature without confirming active TB through a chest x-ray.
Diagnostic testing has resulted in a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in an adult patient who is otherwise healthy. The patient and the care team have collaborated and the patient will soon begin induction therapy. The nurse should prepare the patient for which of the following?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Attempts are made to achieve remission of AML by the aggressive administration of chemotherapy.
Nurse Cecilia is caring for a client who has undergone a vaginal hysterectomy. The nurse avoids which of the following in the care of this client?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is A. Elevating the knee gatch on the bed should be avoided in the care of a client who has undergone a vaginal hysterectomy. This action can inhibit venous return, increasing the risk of deep vein thrombosis or thrombophlebitis. Choices B, C, and D are appropriate nursing interventions for postoperative care to prevent complications and promote circulation.
A patient with Hodgkin lymphoma is receiving radiation therapy. What side effect should the nurse monitor for that is most common with this type of treatment?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Mucositis is a common side effect of radiation therapy that should be closely monitored.
What is a characteristic of normal cells?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is that normal cells undergo apoptosis, which is a programmed cell death process essential for maintaining tissue homeostasis. Choice A is incorrect as normal cells do have specific functions. Choice B is incorrect as the size of the nucleus may vary but is not a defining characteristic of normal cells. Choice D is incorrect as the color of the nucleus is not a standard characteristic of normal cells.
A patient from the oncology unit asks the nurse about metastasis. Which of the following statements by the nurse requires immediate intervention by the head nurse?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is A because metastasis refers to the spread of cancer cells to distant parts of the body, not the replication of cells. Choice B is correct as metastasis can indeed occur in various body parts. Choice C is incorrect as it inaccurately combines the concepts of replication and travel of cancer cells. Choice D is also correct as it accurately defines metastasis as the spread of cancer cells.
A nurse is caring for a patient with Hodgkin lymphoma at the oncology clinic. The nurse should be aware of what main goal of care?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The goal in the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma is cure.
A client undergoing chemotherapy is at risk for developing mucositis. What nursing intervention is most appropriate to help manage this condition?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Avoiding spicy or acidic foods can help prevent irritation of the mucosa, which is already sensitive during mucositis.
A nurse is caring for a client with thrombocytopenia. Which action is the highest priority to reduce the risk of bleeding?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The highest priority action to reduce the risk of bleeding in a client with thrombocytopenia is to avoid invasive procedures unless absolutely necessary. Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by a low platelet count, which impairs the blood's ability to clot properly. By avoiding invasive procedures, the nurse minimizes the potential for bleeding episodes that could be challenging to control due to the low platelet count. Using an electric razor instead of a straight razor (Choice A) is a good practice to prevent cuts, but it is not as critical as avoiding invasive procedures in this scenario. Applying pressure to bleeding sites (Choice B) and monitoring for signs of internal bleeding (Choice D) are important interventions but are secondary to the priority of preventing bleeding by avoiding invasive procedures.
The nurse is assessing the perineal wound in a client who has returned from the operating room following an abdominal perineal resection and notes serosanguineous drainage from the wound. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
In this scenario, the appropriate nursing intervention for serosanguineous drainage from the wound is to change the dressing as prescribed. This helps in maintaining wound cleanliness, preventing infection, and promoting proper wound healing. Clamping the Penrose drain (Choice A) is not indicated as the drainage is from the wound itself, not the drain. Notifying the healthcare provider (Choice C) may be necessary if there are signs of infection or other concerning issues, but changing the dressing should be done first. Removing and replacing the perineal packing (Choice D) is not the priority in this situation unless specifically prescribed by the healthcare provider after assessing the wound.
The nurse is caring for a female client experiencing neutropenia as a result of chemotherapy and develops a plan of care for the client. The nurse plans to:
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
In clients experiencing neutropenia due to chemotherapy, the immune system is significantly compromised, leaving the client highly susceptible to infections. Meticulous hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent infections in neutropenic patients. Teaching the client and their family the importance of frequent and proper handwashing helps reduce the transmission of harmful pathogens that could lead to severe infections in the neutropenic client. This simple but essential intervention is crucial in maintaining a safe environment.
A patient with leukemia has developed stomatitis and is experiencing a nutritional deficit. An oral anesthetic has consequently been prescribed. What health education should the nurse provide to the patient?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
If oral anesthetics are used, the patient must be warned to chew with extreme care to avoid inadvertently biting the tongue or buccal mucosa.
An oncology nurse is caring for a patient with multiple myeloma who is experiencing bone destruction. When reviewing the patient's most recent blood tests, the nurse should anticipate what imbalance?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct answer is A, Hypercalcemia. In multiple myeloma, bone destruction can lead to the release of calcium from the bones into the bloodstream, causing hypercalcemia. This imbalance is commonly seen in patients with multiple myeloma. Choice B, Hyperproteinemia, is not typically associated with bone destruction in multiple myeloma. Choice C, Elevated serum viscosity, and Choice D, Elevated RBC count, are not directly related to the bone destruction seen in multiple myeloma.
Which of the following statements by the oncology nurse displays understanding about antineoplastic medications?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, which include both cancerous and healthy cells, such as those in the bone marrow, hair follicles, and the lining of the digestive tract. Since the bone marrow produces immune cells (white blood cells), chemotherapy can weaken the immune system by reducing the body's ability to produce these cells, making patients more susceptible to infections. This is why close monitoring and supportive measures to protect immune function are important during chemotherapy treatment.
A client in the oncology clinic reports her family is frustrated at her ongoing fatigue 4 months after radiation therapy for breast cancer. What response by the nurse is most appropriate?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Radiation-induced fatigue can last for months; it's important to normalize this for the client.
A nurse is caring for a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) who is at risk for anemia. What is the most appropriate intervention to address this risk?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
In myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), the bone marrow does not produce enough healthy blood cells, leading to conditions such as anemia. Administering erythropoietin is an effective intervention to manage anemia in MDS patients because it stimulates the production of red blood cells. This can help improve the patient's hemoglobin levels, reducing symptoms such as fatigue and weakness associated with anemia. Erythropoietin is commonly used in MDS to enhance red blood cell production and reduce the need for frequent blood transfusions.
While giving care to a client with an internal cervical radiation implant, the nurse finds the implant in the bed. The nurse should take which initial action?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
When caring for a client with an internal cervical radiation implant, safety measures must be followed to protect both the client and healthcare personnel from radiation exposure. If the implant becomes dislodged and is found in the bed, the nurse's priority is to handle it safely using long-handled forceps, as direct contact with the implant could result in radiation exposure. The implant should be placed in a lead-lined container, which is specifically designed to shield against radiation, to prevent further contamination or exposure. After securing the implant, the nurse should notify the radiation safety officer or healthcare provider for further guidance.
A patient diagnosed with polycythemia vera presents to the clinic for routine bloodwork. What should the nurse monitor for in this patient as a priority?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
In polycythemia vera, there is an overproduction of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, which leads to increased blood viscosity and a high risk for thrombosis (blood clot formation). Monitoring the platelet count is a priority because elevated platelet levels contribute significantly to the risk of developing blood clots, which can result in life-threatening complications such as strokes, heart attacks, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Therefore, regular monitoring of the platelet count is essential to assess the patient's risk for thrombosis and to guide treatment decisions, such as phlebotomy or medication adjustments to lower platelet levels.
The nurse is assessing the colostomy of a client who has had an abdominal perineal resection for a bowel tumor. Which assessment finding indicates that the colostomy is beginning to function?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The passage of flatus (gas) from the colostomy is an early sign that the bowel is beginning to function after surgery. This indicates that peristalsis, or the movement of the intestines, has resumed and that the digestive system is actively moving gas and eventually stool through the bowel and out of the colostomy. It's a positive sign that the bowel is recovering from the surgery and starting to work as intended.
A nurse working with oncology clients knows that an age-related decrease in which function increases the older client's susceptibility to infection during chemotherapy?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
As people age, the immune system becomes less efficient, a phenomenon known as immunosenescence. This decline in immune function includes reduced production of immune cells (such as T cells and B cells) and diminished responses to infections. During chemotherapy, which further suppresses the immune system, older clients are at a significantly higher risk of developing infections due to this age-related decrease in immune function. This is especially concerning because chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, which include immune cells, making it even harder for the body to fight off infections.
A patient's most recent diagnostic imaging has revealed that his lung cancer has metastasized to his bones and liver. What is the most likely mechanism by which the patient's cancer cells spread?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
In the case of lung cancer that has metastasized to the bones and liver, lymphatic circulation is a key mechanism by which cancer cells spread from the primary tumor site to distant organs. Cancer cells can invade nearby lymphatic vessels and travel through the lymphatic system, eventually reaching lymph nodes and spreading to other tissues and organs. This route is significant in the metastasis of many types of cancer, including lung cancer.
A nurse is caring for a client admitted for Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and chemotherapy. The client reports nausea, flank pain, and muscle cramps. What action by the nurse is most important?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The client's symptoms of nausea, flank pain, and muscle cramps are suggestive of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), a potentially life-threatening complication of chemotherapy in which cancer cells break down rapidly, releasing large amounts of intracellular components into the bloodstream. This leads to imbalances in electrolytes (elevated potassium, phosphate, and uric acid levels, with low calcium levels), which can cause severe metabolic disturbances, including kidney damage, arrhythmias, and muscle cramps. Checking serum electrolytes and uric acid levels is crucial for diagnosing and managing TLS early, preventing further complications.
A client in the emergency department reports difficulty breathing. The nurse assesses the client's appearance as depicted below: What action by the nurse is most important?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct action by the nurse is to assess the client's blood pressure and pulse. Difficulty breathing can be a sign of various conditions, including cardiac issues. Assessing blood pressure and pulse helps in determining the client's hemodynamic status and identifying any cardiovascular compromise. Option B is less crucial as attaching the client to a pulse oximeter may provide oxygen saturation levels but does not directly assess cardiac output. Option C is not the priority in this situation as the client's difficulty breathing is a more urgent concern. Option D is incorrect as urgent radiation therapy is not indicated based on the client's presentation.
The nurse has taught a client with cancer ways to prevent infection. What statement by the client indicates that more teaching is needed?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Clients with cancer, especially those undergoing chemotherapy or other immunosuppressive treatments, are at increased risk for infections due to a weakened immune system. Changing a litter box exposes the client to pathogens such as Toxoplasma gondii and other harmful bacteria or parasites found in cat feces, which could lead to serious infections. It is recommended that immunocompromised individuals avoid activities like changing litter boxes to reduce their risk of exposure to infectious agents. A family member or caregiver should handle this task to protect the client.
Which of the following statements by the oncology nurse displays understanding about antineoplastic medications?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, which include both cancerous and healthy cells, such as those in the bone marrow, hair follicles, and the lining of the digestive tract. Since the bone marrow produces immune cells (white blood cells), chemotherapy can weaken the immune system by reducing the body's ability to produce these cells, making patients more susceptible to infections. This is why close monitoring and supportive measures to protect immune function are important during chemotherapy treatment.
A client in the oncology clinic reports her family is frustrated at her ongoing fatigue 4 months after radiation therapy for breast cancer. What response by the nurse is most appropriate?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Radiation-induced fatigue can last for months; it's important to normalize this for the client.
A nurse is caring for a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) who is at risk for anemia. What is the most appropriate intervention to address this risk?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
In myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), the bone marrow does not produce enough healthy blood cells, leading to conditions such as anemia. Administering erythropoietin is an effective intervention to manage anemia in MDS patients because it stimulates the production of red blood cells. This can help improve the patient's hemoglobin levels, reducing symptoms such as fatigue and weakness associated with anemia. Erythropoietin is commonly used in MDS to enhance red blood cell production and reduce the need for frequent blood transfusions.
While giving care to a client with an internal cervical radiation implant, the nurse finds the implant in the bed. The nurse should take which initial action?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
When caring for a client with an internal cervical radiation implant, safety measures must be followed to protect both the client and healthcare personnel from radiation exposure. If the implant becomes dislodged and is found in the bed, the nurse's priority is to handle it safely using long-handled forceps, as direct contact with the implant could result in radiation exposure. The implant should be placed in a lead-lined container, which is specifically designed to shield against radiation, to prevent further contamination or exposure. After securing the implant, the nurse should notify the radiation safety officer or healthcare provider for further guidance.
A patient diagnosed with polycythemia vera presents to the clinic for routine bloodwork. What should the nurse monitor for in this patient as a priority?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
In polycythemia vera, there is an overproduction of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, which leads to increased blood viscosity and a high risk for thrombosis (blood clot formation). Monitoring the platelet count is a priority because elevated platelet levels contribute significantly to the risk of developing blood clots, which can result in life-threatening complications such as strokes, heart attacks, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Therefore, regular monitoring of the platelet count is essential to assess the patient's risk for thrombosis and to guide treatment decisions, such as phlebotomy or medication adjustments to lower platelet levels.
The nurse is assessing the colostomy of a client who has had an abdominal perineal resection for a bowel tumor. Which assessment finding indicates that the colostomy is beginning to function?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The passage of flatus (gas) from the colostomy is an early sign that the bowel is beginning to function after surgery. This indicates that peristalsis, or the movement of the intestines, has resumed and that the digestive system is actively moving gas and eventually stool through the bowel and out of the colostomy. It's a positive sign that the bowel is recovering from the surgery and starting to work as intended.
A nurse working with oncology clients knows that an age-related decrease in which function increases the older client's susceptibility to infection during chemotherapy?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
As people age, the immune system becomes less efficient, a phenomenon known as immunosenescence. This decline in immune function includes reduced production of immune cells (such as T cells and B cells) and diminished responses to infections. During chemotherapy, which further suppresses the immune system, older clients are at a significantly higher risk of developing infections due to this age-related decrease in immune function. This is especially concerning because chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, which include immune cells, making it even harder for the body to fight off infections.
A patient's most recent diagnostic imaging has revealed that his lung cancer has metastasized to his bones and liver. What is the most likely mechanism by which the patient's cancer cells spread?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
In the case of lung cancer that has metastasized to the bones and liver, lymphatic circulation is a key mechanism by which cancer cells spread from the primary tumor site to distant organs. Cancer cells can invade nearby lymphatic vessels and travel through the lymphatic system, eventually reaching lymph nodes and spreading to other tissues and organs. This route is significant in the metastasis of many types of cancer, including lung cancer.
A nurse is caring for a client admitted for Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and chemotherapy. The client reports nausea, flank pain, and muscle cramps. What action by the nurse is most important?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The client's symptoms of nausea, flank pain, and muscle cramps are suggestive of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), a potentially life-threatening complication of chemotherapy in which cancer cells break down rapidly, releasing large amounts of intracellular components into the bloodstream. This leads to imbalances in electrolytes (elevated potassium, phosphate, and uric acid levels, with low calcium levels), which can cause severe metabolic disturbances, including kidney damage, arrhythmias, and muscle cramps. Checking serum electrolytes and uric acid levels is crucial for diagnosing and managing TLS early, preventing further complications.
A client in the emergency department reports difficulty breathing. The nurse assesses the client's appearance as depicted below: What action by the nurse is most important?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
The correct action by the nurse is to assess the client's blood pressure and pulse. Difficulty breathing can be a sign of various conditions, including cardiac issues. Assessing blood pressure and pulse helps in determining the client's hemodynamic status and identifying any cardiovascular compromise. Option B is less crucial as attaching the client to a pulse oximeter may provide oxygen saturation levels but does not directly assess cardiac output. Option C is not the priority in this situation as the client's difficulty breathing is a more urgent concern. Option D is incorrect as urgent radiation therapy is not indicated based on the client's presentation.
The nurse has taught a client with cancer ways to prevent infection. What statement by the client indicates that more teaching is needed?
Select the best answer.
Explanation:
Clients with cancer, especially those undergoing chemotherapy or other immunosuppressive treatments, are at increased risk for infections due to a weakened immune system. Changing a litter box exposes the client to pathogens such as Toxoplasma gondii and other harmful bacteria or parasites found in cat feces, which could lead to serious infections. It is recommended that immunocompromised individuals avoid activities like changing litter boxes to reduce their risk of exposure to infectious agents. A family member or caregiver should handle this task to protect the client.
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