Nursing Elites

1. A nurse enters the room of a patient with bladder cancer. The patient asks the nurse about the actions of chemotherapeutic drugs. Which of the following statements by the nurse is correct?

• A. Chemotherapeutic drugs will kill all of your cancer cells
• B. Chemotherapeutic medications are attracted mostly to slowly dividing cells
• C. Chemotherapy can cure cancer
• D. Chemotherapy is specifically destroying cancer cells

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Chemotherapy drugs are designed to target and destroy rapidly dividing cells, which include cancer cells. Cancer cells often divide more quickly than normal cells, and chemotherapeutic agents exploit this characteristic to inhibit their growth and promote cell death. While chemotherapy can also affect other rapidly dividing normal cells (such as those in the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract, and hair follicles), the primary goal is to target cancerous cells.

2. In caring for a patient with a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) receiving induction therapy on the oncology unit, what nursing action should be prioritized in the patient's care plan?

• A. Protective isolation and vigilant use of standard precautions
• B. Provision of a high-calorie, low-texture diet and appropriate oral hygiene
• C. Including the family in planning the patient's activities of daily living
• D. Monitoring and treating the patient's pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Protective isolation and vigilant use of standard precautions. Induction therapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) can lead to neutropenia, significantly increasing the risk of infections. Therefore, the priority is to protect the patient from potential pathogens by implementing protective isolation measures and adhering to strict standard precautions. This action is crucial for the patient's survival. Choice B is incorrect as nutritional support and oral hygiene are important but not the priority in this situation. Choice C, involving the family in planning activities, is a valuable aspect of care but not the priority during induction therapy. Choice D, monitoring and treating pain, is essential but ensuring protection against infection takes precedence due to the high risk of neutropenia.

3. The nurse manager is teaching the nursing staff about signs and symptoms related to hypercalcemia in a client with metastatic prostate cancer and tells the staff that which is a late sign of this oncological emergency?

• A. Headache
• B. Dysphagia
• C. Constipation
• D. Electrocardiographic changes

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Electrocardiographic changes. In clients with metastatic prostate cancer, hypercalcemia can lead to various signs and symptoms. Electrocardiographic changes are considered a late sign of hypercalcemia, indicating severe electrolyte imbalance. Headache (choice A), dysphagia (choice B), and constipation (choice C) are earlier signs of hypercalcemia and may precede the development of more severe symptoms like electrocardiographic changes.

4. Nurse Maria is preparing a care plan for a client receiving external radiation therapy. Which of the following interventions should be included?

• A. Use heating pads on the treated area
• B. Wear loose, soft clothing over the treated area
• C. Expose the treated area to sunlight
• D. Apply ice packs to the treated area

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Radiation therapy can cause skin irritation, dryness, and sensitivity in the treated area. Wearing loose, soft clothing helps minimize friction and pressure on the skin, reducing irritation and promoting comfort. The skin in the treated area is often more sensitive and vulnerable to damage, so this intervention helps protect the skin while maintaining the client’s comfort during the course of treatment.

5. 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?

• A. Alopecia
• B. Weight gain
• C. Elevated temperature
• D. Decreased hemoglobin level

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.

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