a client is receiving chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer the nurse monitors the client for which of the following signs indicating a complicatio
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

Oncology Test Bank

1. A client is receiving chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer. The nurse monitors the client for which of the following signs indicating a complication of the therapy?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Elevated temperature. A fever may indicate infection, a common and serious complication of chemotherapy, requiring prompt intervention. Choice A, Alopecia, is a common side effect of chemotherapy but not a sign of a complication. Choice B, Weight gain, is not typically a sign of a complication of chemotherapy. Choice D, Decreased hemoglobin level, may occur due to chemotherapy but is not a direct sign of a complication.

2. 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?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: 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.

3. 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?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: 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.

4. A nurse is planning the care of a patient who has been diagnosed with essential thrombocythemia (ET). What nursing diagnosis should the nurse prioritize when choosing interventions?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is a myeloproliferative disorder characterized by an abnormally high platelet count, which increases the risk of hypercoagulation and thrombosis (blood clot formation). These clots can impair blood flow to tissues, leading to ineffective tissue perfusion. Thrombotic events, such as strokes, deep vein thrombosis, or myocardial infarctions, are common complications of ET, making Risk for Ineffective Tissue Perfusion the most critical nursing diagnosis to prioritize. The goal of nursing interventions will be to prevent clot formation and ensure adequate blood flow to tissues.

5. An older adult patient is undergoing diagnostic testing for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). What assessment finding is certain to be present if the patient has CLL?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An increased lymphocyte count (lymphocytosis) is always present in patients with CLL.

Similar Questions

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?
An oncology nurse is caring for a patient who has developed erythema following radiation therapy. What should the nurse instruct the patient to do?
What is a characteristic of normal cells?
The nurse is teaching a client about the signs of infection after chemotherapy. Which of the following should the nurse emphasize?
A client with neutropenia is admitted to the hospital. What precaution is most important for the nurse to implement?

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