Nursing Elites

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. A client with breast cancer is receiving doxorubicin (Adriamycin). The nurse monitors the client closely for:

• A. Pulmonary fibrosis
• B. Cardiotoxicity
• C. Hepatotoxicity
• D. Nephrotoxicity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) is an anthracycline chemotherapy agent commonly used to treat various cancers, including breast cancer. One of the significant side effects associated with doxorubicin is cardiotoxicity, which can lead to serious complications such as heart failure and arrhythmias. The risk of cardiotoxicity is dose-dependent, meaning that higher cumulative doses increase the likelihood of cardiac damage. Therefore, it is essential for nurses to monitor cardiac function closely through assessments such as echocardiograms or monitoring for signs and symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and edema.

3. A young adult patient has received the news that her treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma has been deemed successful and that no further treatment is necessary at this time. The care team should ensure that the patient receives regular health assessments in the future due to the risk of what complication?

• A. Iron-deficiency anemia
• B. Hemophilia
• C. Hematologic cancers
• D. Genitourinary cancers

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hematologic cancers. Survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma are at a high risk of developing second cancers, with hematologic cancers being the most common complication. Regular health assessments are crucial for early detection and management. Iron-deficiency anemia (A) is not a typical long-term complication of Hodgkin lymphoma treatment. Hemophilia (B) is a genetic bleeding disorder unrelated to Hodgkin lymphoma. Genitourinary cancers (D) are not the most common complication seen in survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma.

4. The nurse is developing a plan of care for the client with multiple myeloma and includes which priority intervention in the plan?

• A. Encouraging fluids
• B. Providing frequent oral care
• C. Coughing and deep breathing
• D. Monitoring the red blood cell count

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Encouraging fluids. In a client with multiple myeloma, encouraging fluids is a priority intervention to prevent kidney damage from high calcium levels. Adequate hydration helps maintain renal function and prevents complications. Providing frequent oral care (Choice B) is essential for clients at risk of mucositis or oral infections, such as those undergoing chemotherapy. Coughing and deep breathing exercises (Choice C) are commonly used for clients at risk of respiratory complications, like postoperative patients. Monitoring the red blood cell count (Choice D) is important for conditions like anemia but is not the priority in a client with multiple myeloma, where fluid management is crucial.

5. A patient with a myelodysplastic syndrome is being treated on the medical unit. What assessment finding should prompt the nurse to contact the patients primary care provider?

• A. The patient is experiencing a frontal lobe headache.
• B. The patient has an episode of urinary incontinence.
• C. The patient has an oral temperature of 37.5C (99.5F).
• D. The patients SpO2 is 91% on room air.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) have a dysfunctional bone marrow that leads to ineffective blood cell production, including white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting infections. As a result, they are at high risk for infections. Even a slight elevation in temperature, such as 37.5°C (99.5°F), could be an early sign of infection in an immunocompromised patient. Early detection and treatment of infections are critical in MDS patients, as infections can quickly become severe or life-threatening due to their compromised immune system.

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