Nursing Elites

1. A client with cancer is admitted to a short-term rehabilitation facility. The nurse prepares to administer the client’s oral chemotherapy medications. What action by the nurse is most appropriate?

• A. Crush the medications if the client cannot swallow them.
• B. Give one medication at a time with a full glass of water.
• C. No special precautions are needed for these medications.
• D. Wear personal protective equipment when handling the medications.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Oral chemotherapy requires the same precautions as IV chemotherapy; personal protective equipment is necessary.

2. A client is receiving chemotherapy through a peripheral IV line. What action by the nurse is most important?

• A. Assessing the IV site and blood return every hour.
• B. Educating the client on side effects.
• C. Monitoring the client for nausea.
• D. Providing warm packs for comfort.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: 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.

3. A client with long-standing heart failure being treated for cancer has received a dose of ondansetron for nausea. What action by the nurse is most important?

• A. Assess the client for a headache or dizziness.
• B. Request a prescription for cardiac monitoring.
• C. Instruct the client to change positions slowly.
• D. Weigh the client daily before eating.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Ondansetron can prolong the QT interval, making cardiac monitoring essential in this scenario.

4. The hospice nurse is caring for a patient with cancer in her home. The nurse has explained to the patient and the family that the patient is at risk for hypercalcemia and has educated them on the signs and symptoms of this health problem. What else should the nurse teach this patient and family to do to reduce the patient’s risk of hypercalcemia?

• A. Stool softeners are contraindicated.
• B. Laxatives should be taken daily.
• C. Consume 2 to 4 L of fluid daily.
• D. Restrict calcium intake.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The nurse should encourage the patient to consume 2 to 4 liters of fluid daily to reduce the risk of hypercalcemia.

5. The nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a pelvic exenteration, and the health care provider changes the client's diet from NPO status to clear liquids. The nurse should check which priority item before administering the diet?

• A. Bowel sounds
• B. Ability to ambulate
• C. Incision appearance
• D. Urine specific gravity

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bowel sounds. Checking for bowel sounds is crucial before administering any diet to ensure the gastrointestinal tract is functioning properly following surgery. This assessment helps prevent complications such as paralytic ileus. Choices B, C, and D are not the priority in this situation. While the ability to ambulate, incision appearance, and urine specific gravity are important assessments, ensuring bowel function takes precedence in this postoperative scenario.

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