Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) who is at risk for anemia. What is the most appropriate intervention to address this risk?

• A. Administering iron supplements
• B. Administering blood transfusions
• C. Providing a high-iron diet
• D. Administering erythropoietin

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), the bone marrow does not produce enough healthy blood cells, leading to conditions such as anemia. Administering erythropoietin is an effective intervention to manage anemia in MDS patients because it stimulates the production of red blood cells. This can help improve the patient’s hemoglobin levels, reducing symptoms such as fatigue and weakness associated with anemia. Erythropoietin is commonly used in MDS to enhance red blood cell production and reduce the need for frequent blood transfusions.

2. A nursing student is caring for a patient with acute myeloid leukemia who is preparing to undergo induction therapy. In preparing a plan of care for this patient, the student should assign the highest priority to which nursing diagnosis?

• A. Activity Intolerance
• B. Risk for Infection
• C. Acute Confusion
• D. Risk for Spiritual Distress

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Risk for Infection. Induction therapy for acute myeloid leukemia suppresses the immune system, making the patient highly susceptible to infections due to neutropenia. Preventing infections is crucial in these patients to avoid complications. Activity Intolerance (Choice A) may be a concern, but infection prevention is of higher priority. Acute Confusion (Choice C) and Risk for Spiritual Distress (Choice D) are not the immediate priorities in this situation.

3. 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.

4. Nurse Rose is caring for a client with cancer who has developed spinal cord compression. Which of the following symptoms would the nurse expect to find?

• A. Decreased deep tendon reflexes
• B. Severe headache
• C. Back pain
• D. Loss of bladder control

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Back pain.' Back pain is a common symptom of spinal cord compression in cancer patients. This condition can cause localized or radiating back pain due to the compression of the spinal cord or nerves. While symptoms such as decreased deep tendon reflexes, severe headache, and loss of bladder control can occur in other conditions, back pain is specifically associated with spinal cord compression in cancer patients.

5. A nurse working with oncology clients knows that an age-related decrease in which function increases the older client’s susceptibility to infection during chemotherapy?

• A. Immune function.
• B. Kidney function.
• C. Liver function.
• D. Cardiac function.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: As people age, the immune system becomes less efficient, a phenomenon known as immunosenescence. This decline in immune function includes reduced production of immune cells (such as T cells and B cells) and diminished responses to infections. During chemotherapy, which further suppresses the immune system, older clients are at a significantly higher risk of developing infections due to this age-related decrease in immune function. This is especially concerning because chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, which include immune cells, making it even harder for the body to fight off infections.

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