Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a patient with an advanced stage of breast cancer and the patient has recently learned that her cancer has metastasized. The nurse enters the room and finds the patient struggling to breathe and the nurse’s rapid assessment reveals that the patient’s jugular veins are distended. The nurse should suspect the development of what oncologic emergency?

• A. Increased intracranial pressure
• B. Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS)
• C. Spinal cord compression
• D. Metastatic tumor of the neck

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) occurs when the superior vena cava, the large vein responsible for returning blood from the upper body to the heart, becomes obstructed or compressed, often due to a tumor, such as metastasized breast cancer. SVCS results in impaired venous drainage, leading to symptoms like distended jugular veins, facial swelling, difficulty breathing (dyspnea), and upper body edema. It is a medical emergency that requires prompt intervention to restore blood flow and alleviate symptoms.

2. When educating a patient with multiple myeloma who is being discharged home, what should the nurse emphasize regarding the management of this condition?

• A. Increasing fluid intake
• B. Avoiding sunlight exposure
• C. Monitoring for signs of infection
• D. Managing pain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Monitoring for signs of infection. Patients with multiple myeloma have a compromised immune system, making them more susceptible to infections. Emphasizing the importance of monitoring for signs of infection helps in early detection and prompt treatment. Increasing fluid intake (choice A) is essential for many health conditions but is not the priority in managing multiple myeloma. Avoiding sunlight exposure (choice B) may be relevant for certain skin conditions or medications but is not a key aspect of multiple myeloma management. Managing pain (choice D) is important, but in the context of multiple myeloma, monitoring for signs of infection takes precedence due to the increased risk of infections in these patients.

3. A client is receiving rituximab and asks how it works. What response by the nurse is best?

• A. It causes rapid lysis of the cancer cell membranes.
• B. It destroys the enzymes needed to create cancer cells.
• C. It prevents the start of cell division in the cancer cells.
• D. It sensitizes certain cancer cells to chemotherapy.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody that targets CD20, a protein found on the surface of certain B-cells, including some cancerous B-cells, such as in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Rituximab works by binding to the CD20 protein, which leads to the destruction of the cancerous B-cells through various mechanisms, including preventing the initiation of cell division. By blocking the division process, rituximab helps slow the growth and proliferation of cancer cells, allowing the immune system and additional treatments to clear them more effectively.

4. A home health nurse is caring for a patient with multiple myeloma. Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize when addressing the patients severe bone pain?

• A. Implementing distraction techniques
• B. Educating the patient about the effective use of hot and cold packs
• C. Teaching the patient to use NSAIDs effectively
• D. Helping the patient manage the opioid analgesic regimen

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Multiple myeloma causes severe bone pain due to the proliferation of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow, leading to osteolytic lesions and bone destruction. Opioid analgesics are often required to manage this level of pain effectively, especially in cases where the pain is severe and chronic. The nurse's priority should be helping the patient manage their opioid regimen, ensuring they understand proper dosing, side effects, and safe use of the medication. Opioids are generally necessary in such cases because they provide stronger pain relief compared to other types of analgesics, such as NSAIDs or non-opioid medications.

5. A patient who is undergoing consolidation therapy for the treatment of leukemia has been experiencing debilitating fatigue. How can the nurse best meet this patients needs for physical activity?

• A. Teach the patient about the risks of immobility and the benefits of exercise.
• B. Assist the patient to a chair during awake times, as tolerated.
• C. Collaborate with the physical therapist to arrange for stair exercises.
• D. Teach the patient to perform deep breathing and coughing exercises.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: For patients undergoing consolidation therapy for leukemia, severe fatigue is a common side effect of treatment due to factors such as anemia, decreased nutritional intake, and the body’s response to chemotherapy. While exercise is beneficial, the patient's fatigue may limit their ability to engage in strenuous activity. Assisting the patient to sit in a chair during awake times is a practical way to encourage some physical activity while respecting their fatigue levels. This intervention helps prevent complications associated with immobility, such as muscle atrophy and venous stasis, without overwhelming the patient. It allows the patient to engage in light activity that is manageable and promotes recovery.

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