Nursing Elites

1. Diagnostic testing has resulted in a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in an adult patient who is otherwise healthy. The patient and the care team have collaborated and the patient will soon begin induction therapy. The nurse should prepare the patient for which of the following?

• A. Daily treatment with targeted therapy medications
• B. Radiation therapy on a daily basis
• C. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
• D. An aggressive course of chemotherapy

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Attempts are made to achieve remission of AML by the aggressive administration of chemotherapy.

2. A nurse enters the room of a patient with bladder cancer. The patient asks the nurse about the actions of chemotherapeutic drugs. Which of the following statements by the nurse is correct?

• A. Chemotherapeutic drugs will kill all of your cancer cells
• B. Chemotherapeutic medications are attracted mostly to slowly dividing cells
• C. Chemotherapy can cure cancer
• D. Chemotherapy is specifically destroying cancer cells

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Chemotherapy drugs are designed to target and destroy rapidly dividing cells, which include cancer cells. Cancer cells often divide more quickly than normal cells, and chemotherapeutic agents exploit this characteristic to inhibit their growth and promote cell death. While chemotherapy can also affect other rapidly dividing normal cells (such as those in the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract, and hair follicles), the primary goal is to target cancerous cells.

3. A patient has a diagnosis of multiple myeloma and the nurse is preparing health education in preparation for discharge from the hospital. What action should the nurse promote?

• A. Daily performance of weight-bearing exercise to prevent muscle atrophy
• B. Close monitoring of urine output and kidney function
• C. Daily administration of warfarin (Coumadin) as ordered
• D. Safe use of supplementary oxygen in the home setting

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Renal function must be monitored closely in the patient with multiple myeloma.

4. When planning care for a 77-year-old male admitted with suspected acute myeloid leukemia (AML), what epidemiologic fact should the nurse be aware of?

• A. Early diagnosis is associated with good outcomes.
• B. Five-year survival for older adults is approximately 50%.
• C. Five-year survival for patients over 75 years old is less than 2%.
• D. Survival rates are wholly dependent on the patient's pre-illness level of health.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the context of AML, the 5-year survival rate significantly decreases with age. The 5-year survival rate for patients over 75 years old is less than 2% compared to 43% for those 50 years or younger, and 19% for those between 50 and 64 years. Choice A is incorrect as early diagnosis does not necessarily guarantee good outcomes in AML. Choice B is inaccurate as the 5-year survival rate is not approximately 50% for older adults with AML. Choice D is incorrect as survival rates for AML patients are influenced by various factors beyond just the pre-illness level of health.

5. A client with a history of prostate cancer is in the clinic and reports new onset of severe low back pain. What action by the nurse is most important?

• A. Assess the client’s gait and balance.
• B. Ask the client about any changes in urinary symptoms.
• C. Document the report thoroughly.
• D. Inquire about the client’s recent activities.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action by the nurse is to assess the client’s gait and balance. Severe low back pain in a client with a history of prostate cancer may indicate spinal cord compression, a serious complication. Assessing gait and balance can help determine if there is any spinal cord involvement, which requires immediate medical attention. Asking about changes in urinary symptoms (choice B) is important to assess for possible urinary obstruction, but assessing gait and balance takes precedence due to the risk of spinal cord compression. Documenting the report thoroughly (choice C) is essential but not the most immediate action needed. Inquiring about recent activities (choice D) is not as critical as assessing for spinal cord involvement.

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