a clinic nurse is working with a patient who has a long standing diagnosis of polycythemia vera how can the nurse best gauge the course of the patient
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

Oncology Test Bank

1. A clinic nurse is working with a patient who has a long-standing diagnosis of polycythemia vera. How can the nurse best gauge the course of the patient's disease?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The course of polycythemia vera can be best ascertained by monitoring the patient's hematocrit, which should remain below 45%. Hematocrit levels are a key indicator in assessing the progression of the disease. Choices A, B, and C are not the most appropriate methods for gauging the course of polycythemia vera. Monitoring the color of the patient's palms and face, or their response to erythropoietin injections, may not provide an accurate reflection of the disease's progression. Similarly, while erythrocyte sedimentation rate can be affected in polycythemia vera, it is not the primary marker for monitoring the disease's course.

2. 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?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Providing emotional support and discussing the uncertain future are crucial.

3. A home health nurse is caring for a patient with multiple myeloma. Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize when addressing the patients severe bone pain?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Multiple myeloma causes severe bone pain due to the proliferation of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow, leading to osteolytic lesions and bone destruction. Opioid analgesics are often required to manage this level of pain effectively, especially in cases where the pain is severe and chronic. The nurse's priority should be helping the patient manage their opioid regimen, ensuring they understand proper dosing, side effects, and safe use of the medication. Opioids are generally necessary in such cases because they provide stronger pain relief compared to other types of analgesics, such as NSAIDs or non-opioid medications.

4. The nurse has educated a client on precautions to take with thrombocytopenia. What statement by the client indicates a need to review the information?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because enemas can cause injury to a thrombocytopenic client due to the risk of bleeding. Choices B, C, and D are correct precautions for a client with thrombocytopenia. Using an electric shaver reduces the risk of cuts that could lead to bleeding. Eating soft, cool, or warm food helps prevent injuries to the oral mucosa. Avoiding activities like sports that carry a risk of injury is also advisable.

5. The nurse on a bone marrow transplant unit is caring for a patient with cancer who is preparing for HSCT. What is a priority nursing diagnosis for this patient?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Patients preparing for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) undergo intensive chemotherapy and/or radiation, which significantly suppresses their immune system. This immunosuppression leads to a heightened risk for infection, making it the most critical nursing diagnosis for these patients. As the body’s ability to fight off pathogens is compromised, close monitoring and interventions aimed at preventing infections are essential for their safety and recovery.

Similar Questions

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 patient diagnosed with polycythemia vera presents to the clinic for routine bloodwork. What should the nurse monitor for in this patient as a priority?
Which of the following is not a manifestation of breast cancer?
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?
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?

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