ATI RN
Oncology Questions
1. When working with clients experiencing alopecia, what is the best method for a nurse to help them manage the psychosocial impact of this issue?
- A. Assisting the client in pre-planning for this event.
- B. Reassuring the client that alopecia is temporary.
- C. Teaching the client ways to protect the scalp.
- D. Telling the client that there are worse side effects.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Assisting the client in pre-planning for alopecia is the best method to help them manage the psychosocial impact of the issue. By helping clients anticipate and prepare for the challenges associated with alopecia, they can cope better with the psychological impact. Reassuring the client that alopecia is temporary (choice B) may provide false hope as some types of alopecia are permanent. Teaching ways to protect the scalp (choice C) is important but not the most effective method for managing the psychosocial impact. Telling the client that there are worse side effects (choice D) is dismissive of the client's feelings and not helpful in addressing the psychosocial impact of alopecia.
2. Nurse Ben is reviewing the laboratory results of a client undergoing chemotherapy. Which of the following values would require immediate intervention?
- A. Platelet count of 150,000/mm3
- B. White blood cell count of 6,000/mm3
- C. Hemoglobin level of 14 g/dL
- D. Absolute neutrophil count of 500/mm3
Correct answer: D
Rationale: An absolute neutrophil count of 500/mm3 indicates severe neutropenia, putting the client at high risk for infection. Neutrophils are crucial in fighting off infections; a low count increases susceptibility to infections. Platelet count, white blood cell count, and hemoglobin levels are within normal ranges and do not require immediate intervention in this scenario.
3. The nurse should plan to implement which intervention in the care of a client experiencing neutropenia as a result of chemotherapy?
- A. Restrict all visitors.
- B. Restrict fluid intake.
- C. Teach the client and family about the need for hand hygiene.
- D. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter to prevent skin breakdown.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In clients experiencing neutropenia, particularly due to chemotherapy, the immune system is significantly compromised, increasing the risk of infections. Hand hygiene is one of the most effective methods for preventing the spread of pathogens that can lead to infections. Teaching both the client and their family about the importance of frequent and proper handwashing helps create a safer environment and reduces the risk of infections, which can be critical in neutropenic patients.
4. Nurse Mike is providing care to a client with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). The nurse knows that the client is at risk for tumor lysis syndrome. Which of the following laboratory values requires immediate intervention?
- A. Increased uric acid level
- B. Increased serum potassium level
- C. Increased serum sodium level
- D. Increased fibrinogen level
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased uric acid level. In tumor lysis syndrome, rapid cell destruction releases large amounts of potassium, phosphate, and nucleic acids into the bloodstream. Uric acid can accumulate rapidly, leading to hyperuricemia, which can result in kidney damage due to urate crystal deposition. Immediate intervention is necessary to prevent renal complications. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while electrolyte imbalances are common in tumor lysis syndrome, hyperuricemia with potential kidney damage is the priority concern that requires immediate attention.
5. A client is receiving rituximab and asks how it works. What response by the nurse is best?
- A. It causes rapid lysis of the cancer cell membranes.
- B. It destroys the enzymes needed to create cancer cells.
- C. It prevents the start of cell division in the cancer cells.
- D. It sensitizes certain cancer cells to chemotherapy.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody that targets CD20, a protein found on the surface of certain B-cells, including some cancerous B-cells, such as in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Rituximab works by binding to the CD20 protein, which leads to the destruction of the cancerous B-cells through various mechanisms, including preventing the initiation of cell division. By blocking the division process, rituximab helps slow the growth and proliferation of cancer cells, allowing the immune system and additional treatments to clear them more effectively.
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