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 i
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Oncology Quiz

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?

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. A client who has been receiving radiation therapy for bladder cancer tells the nurse that it feels as if she is voiding through the vagina. The nurse interprets that the client may be experiencing which condition?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. A vesicovaginal fistula is an abnormal connection between the bladder and the vagina, leading to the passage of urine through the vagina. This condition can occur due to various reasons, including radiation therapy. Choice A, rupture of the bladder, is incorrect because a rupture would present with more severe symptoms and is not consistent with the client's description. Choice C, extreme stress, is incorrect as it does not explain the physical symptom of voiding through the vagina. Choice D, altered perineal sensation, is incorrect as it does not involve a direct connection between the bladder and the vagina.

3. The nurse has taught a client with cancer ways to prevent infection. What statement by the client indicates that more teaching is needed?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Clients with cancer, especially those undergoing chemotherapy or other immunosuppressive treatments, are at increased risk for infections due to a weakened immune system. Changing a litter box exposes the client to pathogens such as Toxoplasma gondii and other harmful bacteria or parasites found in cat feces, which could lead to serious infections. It is recommended that immunocompromised individuals avoid activities like changing litter boxes to reduce their risk of exposure to infectious agents. A family member or caregiver should handle this task to protect the client.

4. Four clients are receiving tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Which of these four clients would the nurse assess first?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L is critically low and requires immediate intervention.

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

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.

Similar Questions

The nurse is caring for a client following radical neck dissection and creation of a tracheostomy. Which assessment finding would indicate an immediate need for intervention?
The nurse is admitting an oncology patient to the unit prior to surgery. The nurse reads in the electronic health record that the patient has just finished radiation therapy. With knowledge of the consequent health risks, the nurse should prioritize assessments related to what health problem?
A patient has been found to have an indolent neoplasm. The nurse should recognize what implication of this condition?
A client is diagnosed with multiple myeloma and the client asks the nurse about the diagnosis. The nurse bases the response on which description of this disorder?
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?

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