a gastrectomy is performed on a client with gastric cancer in the immediate postoperative period the nurse notes bloody drainage from the nasogastric

ATI RN

ATI Oncology Quiz

1. A gastrectomy is performed on a client with gastric cancer. In the immediate postoperative period, the nurse notes bloody drainage from the nasogastric tube. The nurse should take which most appropriate action?

A. Measure abdominal girth.
B. Irrigate the nasogastric tube.
C. Continue to monitor the drainage.
D. Notify the health care provider (HCP).

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the immediate postoperative period following a gastrectomy, any bloody drainage from the nasogastric (NG) tube is concerning and requires prompt evaluation. This could indicate potential complications such as bleeding from the surgical site, erosion, or other postoperative issues. Notifying the healthcare provider immediately is crucial to ensure that the patient receives timely assessment and intervention. The presence of blood may necessitate further diagnostic procedures, interventions, or changes in management to prevent serious complications.

2. 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.

3. What advice should the oncology nurse give to a client planning a beach vacation after completing radiation treatments for cancer?

A. Avoid getting salt water on the radiation site.
B. Do not expose the radiation area to direct sunlight.
C. Have a wonderful time and enjoy your vacation!
D. Remember you should not drink alcohol for a year.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the skin at the radiation site is sensitive to sunlight, and exposure can cause further damage. It is crucial to protect the area from direct sunlight to prevent skin irritation or burns. Choice A is incorrect as salt water typically does not pose a significant risk to the radiation site. Choice C is a positive and encouraging response but does not provide necessary advice for post-radiation care. Choice D, while important in some cases, is not directly related to the client's beach vacation after completing radiation treatments.

4. The school nurse is teaching a nutrition class in the local high school. One student states that he has heard that certain foods can increase the incidence of cancer. The nurse responds, Research has shown that certain foods indeed appear to increase the risk of cancer. Which of the following menu selections would be the best choice for potentially reducing the risks of cancer?

A. Smoked salmon and green beans
B. Pork chops and fried green tomatoes
C. Baked apricot chicken and steamed broccoli
D. Liver, onions, and steamed peas

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct choice is 'Baked apricot chicken and steamed broccoli' because fruits and vegetables have been shown to reduce the risk of cancer. Option A, smoked salmon and green beans, although a healthy choice, does not incorporate as many cancer-fighting foods as the correct answer. Option B, pork chops and fried green tomatoes, contains fried food which is associated with increased cancer risk. Option D, liver, onions, and steamed peas, includes organ meats which are not considered beneficial for reducing cancer risk.

5. The clinic nurse is caring for a patient whose grandmother and sister have both had breast cancer. She requested a screening test to determine her risk of developing breast cancer and it has come back positive. The patient asks you what she can do to help prevent breast cancer from occurring. What would be your best response?

A. Research has shown that eating a healthy diet can provide all the protection you need against breast cancer.
B. Research has shown that taking the drug tamoxifen can reduce your chance of breast cancer.
C. Research has shown that exercising at least 30 minutes every day can reduce your chance of breast cancer.
D. Research has shown that there is little you can do to reduce your risk of breast cancer if you have a genetic predisposition.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in women who are at high risk, particularly those with a family history of the disease or a positive genetic test for BRCA mutations. Large-scale studies have demonstrated that tamoxifen can reduce the incidence of breast cancer by up to 50% in high-risk women. It works by blocking estrogen receptors in breast tissue, which helps prevent the development of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancers.