a patient with breast cancer is prescribed tamoxifen nolvadex what critical information should the nurse provide during patient education

ATI RN

ATI Pathophysiology Test Bank

1. A patient with breast cancer is prescribed tamoxifen (Nolvadex). What critical information should the nurse provide during patient education?

A. Tamoxifen may increase the risk of venous thromboembolism, so patients should be educated about the signs and symptoms of blood clots.
B. Tamoxifen may decrease the risk of osteoporosis, so adequate calcium intake is important.
C. Tamoxifen may cause weight gain, so patients should monitor their diet.
D. Tamoxifen may increase the risk of breast cancer, so regular mammograms are essential.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a patient is prescribed tamoxifen, a critical piece of information that the nurse should provide during patient education is that tamoxifen may increase the risk of venous thromboembolism. Therefore, patients should be educated about the signs and symptoms of blood clots and advised to seek immediate medical attention if they occur. Choice B is incorrect because tamoxifen does not decrease the risk of osteoporosis. Choice C is incorrect as weight gain is a possible side effect of tamoxifen, but it is not a critical piece of information compared to the risk of venous thromboembolism. Choice D is incorrect because tamoxifen is actually used to treat breast cancer, not increase its risk.

2. A 30-year-old female has suffered a third-degree burn to her hand after spilling hot oil in a kitchen accident. Which teaching point by a member of her care team is most appropriate?

A. Your hand will likely heal without the need for a skin graft.
B. You might experience a loss of sensation in your hand after it heals.
C. Be sure to keep your hand elevated to reduce swelling.
D. We will need to monitor you for infection as your hand heals.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In third-degree burns, infection is a major concern due to the extensive damage to the skin. Monitoring for infection is crucial. Choice A is incorrect because third-degree burns often require skin grafts due to the severity of the injury. Choice B is incorrect as loss of sensation is more common in nerve damage and not necessarily in burns. Choice C is incorrect because while elevation can help with swelling in minor burns, it is not the most critical concern in third-degree burns.

3. What causes secondary brain injury after head trauma?

A. Brain injury resulting from the bodyâ€™s response to tissue damage
B. Brain injury resulting from initial trauma
C. Injury as a result of medical therapy
D. Focal areas of bleeding

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Secondary brain injury occurs due to the body's response to the initial trauma, which can worsen the effects of the primary injury. This response includes processes like inflammation, increased intracranial pressure, and reduced oxygen delivery to tissues. Choice B is incorrect because it refers to the primary trauma itself, not the secondary injury. Choice C is incorrect as it relates to injury caused by medical interventions rather than the body's response. Choice D is incorrect as it specifically mentions focal areas of bleeding, which is a consequence of trauma rather than the cause of secondary brain injury.

4. A patient is being educated about sildenafil (Viagra). Which of the following statements by the patient indicates that further teaching is necessary?

A. I can take this medication with nitroglycerin.
B. This medication can cause an erection lasting more than 4 hours.
C. I should not take this medication if I am taking medications containing nitrates.
D. This medication is safe to take with any over-the-counter medication.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because sildenafil should not be taken with medications containing nitrates, such as nitroglycerin, due to the risk of severe hypotension. Choice B is incorrect because priapism (prolonged erection) is a serious side effect but does not require immediate intervention like severe hypotension. Choice C is incorrect as it correctly identifies a contraindication for sildenafil use. Choice D is incorrect because not all over-the-counter medications are safe to take with sildenafil, and interactions can occur.

5. Thrombocytopenia is which disorder below?

A. Increased blood coagulation
B. Increased platelet production
C. Increased number of infections
D. Decreased platelet production

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Thrombocytopenia is a disorder characterized by a decreased platelet count or decreased platelet production, which affects blood clotting. Choice A, 'Increased blood coagulation,' is incorrect as thrombocytopenia is associated with decreased platelets, leading to impaired clotting. Choice B, 'Increased platelet production,' is incorrect as thrombocytopenia is characterized by a decrease in platelet production. Choice C, 'Increased number of infections,' is unrelated to thrombocytopenia, which primarily involves low platelet levels.