Nursing Elites

1. A 54-year-old has a diagnosis of breast cancer and is tearfully discussing her diagnosis with the nurse. The patient states, 'They tell me my cancer is malignant, while my coworker's breast tumor was benign. I just don't understand at all.' When preparing a response to this patient, the nurse should be cognizant of what characteristic that distinguishes malignant cells from benign cells of the same tissue type?

• A. Slow rate of mitosis of cancer cells
• B. Different proteins in the cell membrane
• C. Differing size of the cells
• D. Different molecular structure in the cells

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Malignant cells have different proteins in their membranes, such as tumor-specific antigens, which distinguish them from benign cells. Choice A is incorrect as cancer cells typically have a rapid and uncontrolled rate of mitosis. Choice C is incorrect as the size of cells alone does not distinguish between malignant and benign cells. Choice D is incorrect as the molecular structure is not the primary characteristic that distinguishes between malignant and benign cells.

2. 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?

• A. Pancreatitis
• B. Hemorrhage
• C. Arteritis
• D. Liver dysfunction

Correct answer: B

Rationale: 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.

3. The healthcare professional working with oncology clients understands that which age-related change increases the older client’s susceptibility to infection during chemotherapy?

• A. Decreased immune function.
• B. Diminished nutritional stores.
• C. Existing cognitive deficits.
• D. Poor physical reserves.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decreased immune function. Aging leads to a decline in immune function, which increases susceptibility to infections during chemotherapy. This decline is due to changes in the immune system that occur with age. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while they may impact overall health in older clients, they do not directly increase susceptibility to infections during chemotherapy like decreased immune function does.

4. 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?

• A. Metastasis is the replication of cells
• B. Metastasis can happen in most parts of the body
• C. The replication of cancer cells and travel from one area to another
• D. Metastasis is the spread of cancer cells

Correct answer: A

Rationale: 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.

5. Which of the following is a correct statement by the nurse to a patient under radiation therapy?

• A. Brachytherapy can be performed by a pregnant nurse.
• B. Teletherapy makes the patient radioactive.
• C. Brachytherapy is an internal radiation therapy.
• D. Teletherapy requires proper disposal of feces since it can be a source of radiation.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Brachytherapy is an internal radiation therapy.' Brachytherapy involves the placement of radioactive sources inside or next to the area requiring treatment. This differs from teletherapy, which is external radiation therapy. Choice A is incorrect as pregnant individuals should avoid exposure to radiation. Choice B is incorrect because teletherapy does not make the patient radioactive; the radiation source is external. Choice D is incorrect as feces is not a significant source of radiation during teletherapy.

Similar Questions