Nursing Elites

1. A patient on the oncology unit is receiving carmustine, a chemotherapy agent, and the nurse is aware that a significant side effect of this medication is thrombocytopenia. Which symptom should the nurse assess for in patients at risk for thrombocytopenia?

• A. Interrupted sleep pattern
• B. Hot flashes
• C. Epistaxis (nose bleed)
• D. Increased weight

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by a low platelet count, which increases the risk of bleeding and hemorrhage. Patients receiving chemotherapy agents like carmustine may experience thrombocytopenia as a significant side effect. Epistaxis (nosebleeds) is a common symptom associated with thrombocytopenia, as the blood vessels can become more fragile, and even minor trauma or spontaneous bleeding can occur. Therefore, assessing for signs of bleeding, including epistaxis, is crucial in patients at risk for thrombocytopenia.

2. In an adult patient, which assessment finding is considered diagnostic of Hodgkin lymphoma?

• A. Schwann cells
• B. Reed-Sternberg cells
• C. Lewy bodies
• D. Loops of Henle

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Reed-Sternberg cells. In Hodgkin lymphoma, the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells in lymph node biopsy is diagnostic. These cells are large, atypical cells originating from B-lymphocytes. They are distinctive in appearance and are key to diagnosing Hodgkin lymphoma. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because Schwann cells are related to nerve function, Lewy bodies are associated with Parkinson's disease, and Loops of Henle are structures in the kidney, none of which are specific to Hodgkin lymphoma.

3. The nurse is assessing the colostomy of a client who has had an abdominal perineal resection for a bowel tumor. Which assessment finding indicates that the colostomy is beginning to function?

• A. The passage of flatus
• B. Absent bowel sounds
• C. The client’s ability to tolerate food
• D. Bloody drainage from the colostomy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The passage of flatus (gas) from the colostomy is an early sign that the bowel is beginning to function after surgery. This indicates that peristalsis, or the movement of the intestines, has resumed and that the digestive system is actively moving gas and eventually stool through the bowel and out of the colostomy. It’s a positive sign that the bowel is recovering from the surgery and starting to work as intended.

4. The patient is anxious about subjection to radiation therapy. Which of the following statements of the student nurse requires additional teaching?

• A. Teletherapy is radiation from an external source.
• B. Brachytherapy can be administered via oral or IV.
• C. Brachytherapy is a radiation from inside the patient's body.
• D. Chemotherapy is effective in killing all cancer cells.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the statement 'Chemotherapy is effective in killing all cancer cells' is incorrect. Chemotherapy does not kill all cancer cells and is not the same as radiation therapy. Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells, but it may not kill every single cancer cell. It is important for the student nurse to understand and communicate this distinction to the patient. Choices A, B, and C provide accurate information about teletherapy, brachytherapy, and chemotherapy, respectively, and do not require additional teaching.

5. A patient with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is receiving treatment. What is the most important assessment for the nurse to make in this patient?

• A. Skin integrity
• B. Nutritional status
• C. Respiratory function
• D. Cognitive function

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Respiratory function. In a patient with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), monitoring respiratory function is crucial due to the potential for complications such as pleural effusion or pneumonia. Assessing skin integrity (choice A) is important but not as critical as monitoring respiratory function in this case. Nutritional status (choice B) and cognitive function (choice D) are also important aspects of care but do not take precedence over assessing respiratory function in a patient with NHL undergoing treatment.

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