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

ATI RN

ATI Oncology Questions

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 reviewing the history of a client with bladder cancer. The nurse expects to note documentation of which most common symptom of this type of cancer?

A. Dysuria
B. Hematuria
C. Urgency on urination
D. Frequency of urination

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hematuria, or blood in the urine, is the most common and distinctive symptom associated with bladder cancer. It can present as either gross hematuria (visible blood) or microscopic hematuria (detected only through urinalysis). The presence of blood in the urine often prompts further evaluation for potential underlying causes, including bladder cancer. It is crucial for healthcare providers to recognize this symptom, as early detection significantly impacts treatment outcomes.

3. An older adult patient is undergoing diagnostic testing for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). What assessment finding is certain to be present if the patient has CLL?

A. Increased numbers of blast cells
B. Increased lymphocyte levels
C. Intractable bone pain
D. Thrombocytopenia with no evidence of bleeding

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An increased lymphocyte count (lymphocytosis) is always present in patients with CLL.

4. A nurse works with clients who have alopecia from chemotherapy. What action by the nurse takes priority?

A. Helping clients adjust to their appearance.
B. Reassuring clients that this change is temporary.
C. Referring clients to a reputable wig shop.
D. Teaching measures to prevent scalp injury.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Teaching measures to prevent scalp injury. Alopecia makes the scalp more vulnerable to injury, so educating clients on protective measures is crucial. Choices A and B focus on emotional support and reassurance, which are important but secondary to physical safety. Referring clients to a wig shop (choice C) addresses appearance but does not directly address the physical risk associated with scalp vulnerability.

5. A nurse is caring for a patient who is being treated for leukemia in the hospital. The patient was able to maintain her nutritional status for the first few weeks following her diagnosis but is now exhibiting early signs and symptoms of malnutrition. In collaboration with the dietitian, what intervention should the nurse implement?

A. Arrange for total parenteral nutrition (TPN).
B. Facilitate placement of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube.
C. Provide the patient with several small, soft-textured meals each day.
D. Assign responsibility for the patient's nutrition to the patient's friends and family.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For patients experiencing difficulties with oral intake, the provision of small, easily chewed meals may be beneficial. Option A (TPN) and B (PEG tube placement) are more invasive interventions and should be considered if non-oral routes are necessary. Option D is not appropriate as the primary responsibility for a patient's nutrition should lie with healthcare professionals to ensure proper management and monitoring.