Nursing Elites

1. A client is admitted with superior vena cava syndrome. What action by the nurse is most appropriate?

• A. Administer a dose of allopurinol.
• B. Assess the client’s serum potassium level.
• C. Gently inquire about advance directives.
• D. Prepare the client for emergency surgery.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to gently inquire about advance directives. Superior vena cava syndrome is often a late-stage manifestation, indicating a serious condition. Discussing advance directives with the client is crucial to ensure their wishes are known in case of deterioration. Administering allopurinol (Choice A) is not indicated for superior vena cava syndrome. Assessing the client’s serum potassium level (Choice B) is not the priority when managing this syndrome. Emergency surgery (Choice D) is not typically the initial treatment for superior vena cava syndrome.

2. A patient with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is receiving treatment. What is the most important assessment for the nurse to make in this patient?

• A. Skin integrity
• B. Nutritional status
• C. Respiratory function
• D. Cognitive function

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Respiratory function. In a patient with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), monitoring respiratory function is crucial due to the potential for complications such as pleural effusion or pneumonia. Assessing skin integrity (choice A) is important but not as critical as monitoring respiratory function in this case. Nutritional status (choice B) and cognitive function (choice D) are also important aspects of care but do not take precedence over assessing respiratory function in a patient with NHL undergoing treatment.

3. Nurse Mandy is teaching a client about the side effects of radiation therapy. Which of the following should the nurse emphasize?

• A. Radiation therapy is painless.
• B. You may experience hair loss.
• C. Fatigue is a common side effect.
• D. You may experience nausea and vomiting.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Fatigue is one of the most frequent and profound side effects of radiation therapy. It often occurs because radiation can damage both cancerous and healthy cells, and the body requires energy to repair the damage caused by the treatment. Fatigue from radiation can be cumulative, meaning it may worsen as treatments progress, and can significantly affect the client’s daily activities, requiring the nurse to educate the client on energy conservation techniques.

4. An oncology nurse is providing health education for a patient who has recently been diagnosed with leukemia. What should the nurse explain about commonalities between all of the different subtypes of leukemia?

• A. The different leukemias all involve unregulated proliferation of white blood cells.
• B. The different leukemias all have unregulated proliferation of red blood cells and decreased bone marrow function.
• C. The different leukemias all result in a decrease in the production of white blood cells.
• D. The different leukemias all involve the development of cancer in the lymphatic system.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Leukemia commonly involves unregulated proliferation of white blood cells.

5. All of the following are warning signs of cancer except:

• A. Patient palpates a bump on the side of the breast
• B. Bruises are found on the body that the client cannot explain
• C. Patient often complains of impaired digestion
• D. Patient has blood-tinged sputum

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Blood-tinged sputum is not a typical warning sign of cancer but rather a symptom that can indicate other serious conditions like respiratory issues or infections. Choices A, B, and C are common warning signs of cancer: palpable lumps or bumps, unexplained bruises, and persistent digestive issues are often associated with cancer and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional for further assessment and diagnosis.

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