Nursing Elites

1. A nurse provides care on a bone marrow transplant unit and is preparing a female patient for a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) the following day. What information should the nurse emphasize to the patient’s family and friends?

• A. Your family should gather at the bedside in case there is a negative outcome.
• B. Ensure she abstains from eating any food 24 hours before the procedure.
• C. Wear a hospital gown when entering the patient's room.
• D. Avoid visiting if you've had a recent infection.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Avoid visiting if you've had a recent infection.' Before a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, it is essential for visitors to refrain from visiting if they have had a recent illness or vaccination to minimize the risk of infection to the patient. Choice A is incorrect because emphasizing a negative outcome is not beneficial to the patient or their family. Choice B is incorrect as it is not necessary to abstain from food for a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Choice C is irrelevant to the situation as wearing a hospital gown is not the key information for family and friends to be aware of.

2. The hospice nurse is caring for a patient with cancer in her home. The nurse has explained to the patient and the family that the patient is at risk for hypercalcemia and has educated them on the signs and symptoms of this health problem. What else should the nurse teach this patient and family to do to reduce the patient’s risk of hypercalcemia?

• A. Stool softeners are contraindicated.
• B. Laxatives should be taken daily.
• C. Consume 2 to 4 L of fluid daily.
• D. Restrict calcium intake.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The nurse should encourage the patient to consume 2 to 4 liters of fluid daily to reduce the risk of hypercalcemia.

3. While giving care to a client with an internal cervical radiation implant, the nurse finds the implant in the bed. The nurse should take which initial action?

• A. Call the health care provider (HCP).
• B. Reinsert the implant into the vagina.
• C. Pick up the implant with gloved hands and flush it down the toilet.
• D. Pick up the implant with long-handled forceps and place it in a lead container.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When caring for a client with an internal cervical radiation implant, safety measures must be followed to protect both the client and healthcare personnel from radiation exposure. If the implant becomes dislodged and is found in the bed, the nurse’s priority is to handle it safely using long-handled forceps, as direct contact with the implant could result in radiation exposure. The implant should be placed in a lead-lined container, which is specifically designed to shield against radiation, to prevent further contamination or exposure. After securing the implant, the nurse should notify the radiation safety officer or healthcare provider for further guidance.

4. A patient diagnosed with polycythemia vera presents to the clinic for routine bloodwork. What should the nurse monitor for in this patient as a priority?

• A. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels
• B. Platelet count
• C. White blood cell count
• D. Blood pressure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In polycythemia vera, there is an overproduction of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, which leads to increased blood viscosity and a high risk for thrombosis (blood clot formation). Monitoring the platelet count is a priority because elevated platelet levels contribute significantly to the risk of developing blood clots, which can result in life-threatening complications such as strokes, heart attacks, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Therefore, regular monitoring of the platelet count is essential to assess the patient’s risk for thrombosis and to guide treatment decisions, such as phlebotomy or medication adjustments to lower platelet levels.

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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