Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client with thrombocytopenia. Which action is the highest priority to reduce the risk of bleeding?

• A. Use an electric razor instead of a straight razor.
• B. Apply pressure to any bleeding sites for at least 5 minutes.
• C. Avoid invasive procedures unless absolutely necessary.
• D. Monitor for signs of internal bleeding.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The highest priority action to reduce the risk of bleeding in a client with thrombocytopenia is to avoid invasive procedures unless absolutely necessary. Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by a low platelet count, which impairs the blood's ability to clot properly. By avoiding invasive procedures, the nurse minimizes the potential for bleeding episodes that could be challenging to control due to the low platelet count. Using an electric razor instead of a straight razor (Choice A) is a good practice to prevent cuts, but it is not as critical as avoiding invasive procedures in this scenario. Applying pressure to bleeding sites (Choice B) and monitoring for signs of internal bleeding (Choice D) are important interventions but are secondary to the priority of preventing bleeding by avoiding invasive procedures.

2. 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.

3. A client with a history of prostate cancer is in the clinic and reports new onset of severe low back pain. What action by the nurse is most important?

• A. Assess the client’s gait and balance.
• B. Ask the client about any changes in urinary symptoms.
• C. Document the report thoroughly.
• D. Inquire about the client’s recent activities.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action by the nurse is to assess the client’s gait and balance. Severe low back pain in a client with a history of prostate cancer may indicate spinal cord compression, a serious complication. Assessing gait and balance can help determine if there is any spinal cord involvement, which requires immediate medical attention. Asking about changes in urinary symptoms (choice B) is important to assess for possible urinary obstruction, but assessing gait and balance takes precedence due to the risk of spinal cord compression. Documenting the report thoroughly (choice C) is essential but not the most immediate action needed. Inquiring about recent activities (choice D) is not as critical as assessing for spinal cord involvement.

4. During the admission assessment of a client with advanced ovarian cancer, the nurse recognizes which symptom as typical of the disease?

• A. Diarrhea
• B. Hypermenorrhea
• C. Abnormal bleeding
• D. Abdominal distention

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Abdominal distention is a common symptom in advanced ovarian cancer due to several factors, including the accumulation of ascites (fluid in the abdominal cavity) and the presence of tumors that can increase abdominal girth. As the disease progresses, the pressure from growing masses or fluid buildup can lead to noticeable swelling and discomfort in the abdomen. This symptom often prompts further evaluation and can significantly impact the patient’s quality of life.

5. The home health nurse is performing a home visit for an oncology patient discharged 3 days ago after completing treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The nurse's assessment should include examination for the signs and symptoms of what complication?

• A. Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS)
• B. Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)
• C. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
• D. Hypercalcemia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). Tumor lysis syndrome is a potential complication after treatment for certain cancers, including non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The rapid breakdown of cancer cells in response to treatment can lead to metabolic abnormalities, such as hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, and hyperuricemia, which can be life-threatening. Choice B, Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), is not typically associated with non-Hodgkin lymphoma treatment. Choice C, Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), is more commonly seen in conditions such as sepsis or trauma, not directly related to non-Hodgkin lymphoma treatment. Choice D, Hypercalcemia, is not a common complication following treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

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