Nursing Elites

1. The nurse on a bone marrow transplant unit is caring for a patient with cancer who is preparing for HSCT. What is a priority nursing diagnosis for this patient?

• A. Fatigue related to altered metabolic processes
• B. Altered nutrition: less than body requirements related to anorexia
• C. Risk for infection related to altered immunologic response
• D. Body image disturbance related to weight loss and anorexia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Patients preparing for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) undergo intensive chemotherapy and/or radiation, which significantly suppresses their immune system. This immunosuppression leads to a heightened risk for infection, making it the most critical nursing diagnosis for these patients. As the body’s ability to fight off pathogens is compromised, close monitoring and interventions aimed at preventing infections are essential for their safety and recovery.

2. The nurse has taught a client with cancer ways to prevent infection. What statement by the client indicates that more teaching is needed?

• A. I should take my temperature daily and when I don’t feel well.
• B. I will discard perishable liquids after sitting out for over an hour.
• C. I won’t let anyone share any of my personal toiletries.
• D. It’s alright for me to keep my pets and change the litter box.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Clients with cancer, especially those undergoing chemotherapy or other immunosuppressive treatments, are at increased risk for infections due to a weakened immune system. Changing a litter box exposes the client to pathogens such as Toxoplasma gondii and other harmful bacteria or parasites found in cat feces, which could lead to serious infections. It is recommended that immunocompromised individuals avoid activities like changing litter boxes to reduce their risk of exposure to infectious agents. A family member or caregiver should handle this task to protect the client.

3. A patient with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is receiving induction therapy. What is the priority nursing intervention during this phase of treatment?

• A. Administering pain management
• B. Monitoring for signs of infection
• C. Providing emotional support
• D. Monitoring fluid balance

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Induction therapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) involves intensive chemotherapy aimed at achieving remission by eliminating a large number of cancerous cells. However, this aggressive treatment also severely reduces the production of healthy blood cells, including neutrophils, which leads to neutropenia (a dangerously low number of neutrophils). This makes the patient highly susceptible to infections, which can be life-threatening. Monitoring for signs of infection is critical during this phase, as infections may occur quickly and progress rapidly due to the compromised immune system. Early detection and prompt treatment of infections are vital to improving patient outcomes during induction therapy.

4. A nurse in the oncology clinic is providing preoperative education to a client just diagnosed with cancer. The client has been scheduled for surgery in 3 days. What action by the nurse is best?

• A. Call the client at home the next day to review teaching.
• B. Give the client information about a cancer support group.
• C. Provide all the preoperative instructions in writing.
• D. Reassure the client that surgery will be over soon.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Clients are often overwhelmed by a sudden cancer diagnosis; therefore, it is best for the nurse to call the client at home the next day to review teaching. This approach allows the client time to process the information before the surgery. Choice B may be beneficial but is not the priority at this time. Providing written instructions (Choice C) is helpful but does not offer the personalized interaction needed. Reassuring the client (Choice D) is important but does not address the educational aspect of preoperative preparation.

5. A patient has been found to have an indolent neoplasm. The nurse should recognize what implication of this condition?

• A. The patient faces a significant risk of malignancy.
• B. The patient has a myeloid form of leukemia.
• C. The patient has a lymphocytic form of leukemia.
• D. The patient has a major risk factor for hemophilia.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'The patient faces a significant risk of malignancy.' Indolent neoplasms are characterized by their slow growth and relatively low malignancy potential; however, they do have the capability to progress to malignancy over time. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they make assumptions about specific types of leukemia and hemophilia, which are not necessarily related to the presence of an indolent neoplasm.

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