Nursing Elites

1. The clinic nurse is caring for a patient whose grandmother and sister have both had breast cancer. She requested a screening test to determine her risk of developing breast cancer and it has come back positive. The patient asks you what she can do to help prevent breast cancer from occurring. What would be your best response?

• A. Research has shown that eating a healthy diet can provide all the protection you need against breast cancer.
• B. Research has shown that taking the drug tamoxifen can reduce your chance of breast cancer.
• C. Research has shown that exercising at least 30 minutes every day can reduce your chance of breast cancer.
• D. Research has shown that there is little you can do to reduce your risk of breast cancer if you have a genetic predisposition.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in women who are at high risk, particularly those with a family history of the disease or a positive genetic test for BRCA mutations. Large-scale studies have demonstrated that tamoxifen can reduce the incidence of breast cancer by up to 50% in high-risk women. It works by blocking estrogen receptors in breast tissue, which helps prevent the development of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancers.

2. The nurse is teaching a client about the signs of infection after chemotherapy. Which of the following should the nurse emphasize?

• A. Frequent urination
• B. Increased thirst
• C. Chills and shaking
• D. Fever over 100.4°F (38°C)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In clients undergoing chemotherapy, the immune system is often compromised due to the effects of treatment, making them more susceptible to infections. A fever over 100.4°F (38°C) is considered a critical sign of infection in these patients and requires immediate medical evaluation. Fever may indicate the presence of an infection that could escalate quickly in immunocompromised individuals, so it is vital for patients to recognize this symptom and seek prompt medical attention.

3. Nurse Joy is caring for a client with an internal radiation implant. When caring for the client, the nurse should observe which of the following principles?

• A. Limit the time with the client to 1 hour per shift
• B. Do not allow pregnant women into the client’s room
• C. Remove the dosimeter badge when entering the client’s room
• D. Individuals younger than 16 years old may be allowed to go in the room as long as they are 6 feet away from the client

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Clients with internal radiation implants (also known as brachytherapy) emit a small amount of radiation, which can pose a risk to others. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of radiation because it can affect both the mother and the developing fetus. Radiation exposure can lead to birth defects, miscarriage, or other developmental issues, so pregnant women should avoid any exposure by not entering the client's room.

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. The cells of a normal individual can replicate in a specified rate. If the rate of replication becomes uncontrollable, which of the following is lacking from the patient?

• A. Apoptosis
• B. Contact inhibition
• C. Stable cells
• D. Labile cells

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Contact inhibition is a regulatory mechanism that prevents cells from proliferating once they reach a certain density. Normally, when cells grow and touch each other (such as in a monolayer), they stop dividing, maintaining tissue integrity and structure. When contact inhibition is lacking, as in many cancerous cells, cells continue to grow and divide uncontrollably, leading to tumor formation. This loss of regulation is a hallmark of cancerous growth.

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