Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is not a manifestation of breast cancer?

• A. Peau d'orange
• B. Painless breast mass
• C. Alopecia
• D. Breast enlargement

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Alopecia (hair loss) is not a direct manifestation of breast cancer but rather a common side effect of chemotherapy used in breast cancer treatment. Peau d'orange refers to the dimpling or pitting of the skin resembling an orange peel, which can be a sign of breast cancer due to blockage of lymphatic vessels. A painless breast mass and breast enlargement can both be manifestations of breast cancer, with a painless mass being a common symptom and breast enlargement sometimes occurring due to tumor growth.

2. A 60-year-old patient with chronic myeloid leukemia will be treated in the home setting and the nurse is preparing appropriate health education. What topic should the nurse emphasize?

• A. The importance of adhering to the prescribed drug regimen
• B. The need to ensure that vaccinations are up to date
• C. The importance of daily physical activity
• D. The need to avoid shellfish and raw foods

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is typically treated with targeted therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), which can help control the disease and prolong survival. The effectiveness of these medications relies heavily on strict adherence to the prescribed drug regimen. Patients need to take their medication consistently and as directed to maintain therapeutic drug levels and effectively manage the disease. Non-adherence can lead to disease progression or resistance to treatment, which is why it is crucial for the nurse to emphasize this point during health education.

3. 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.

4. A 50-year-old man diagnosed with leukemia will begin chemotherapy. What would the nurse do to combat the most common adverse effects of chemotherapy?

• A. Administer an antiemetic.
• B. Administer an antimetabolite.
• C. Administer a tumor antibiotic.
• D. Administer an anticoagulant.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer an antiemetic. Chemotherapy commonly causes nausea and vomiting as adverse effects. Antiemetics are medications specifically used to prevent or treat these symptoms. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because administering an antimetabolite, a tumor antibiotic, or an anticoagulant would not directly address the most common adverse effects of chemotherapy, which are nausea and vomiting.

5. A client with cancer has anorexia and mucositis, and is losing weight. The client’s family members continually bring favorite foods to the client and are distressed when the client won’t eat them. What action by the nurse is best?

• A. Explain the pathophysiologic reasons behind the client not eating.
• B. Help the family show other ways to demonstrate love and caring.
• C. Suggest foods and liquids the client might be willing to try to eat.
• D. Tell the family the client isn’t able to eat now no matter what they bring.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The best action for the nurse in this situation is to help the family show other ways to demonstrate love and caring. When a client with cancer is experiencing anorexia and mucositis, it can be challenging for them to eat even their favorite foods. By assisting the family in finding alternative ways to provide comfort and care, the nurse can help create a supportive environment for the client. Option A is not the best choice as explaining the pathophysiologic reasons may not address the emotional needs of the client and family. Option C, suggesting foods and liquids, might not be helpful if the client is unable to tolerate them due to their condition. Option D, telling the family that the client can't eat, may come across as dismissive and not supportive of the family's concerns.

Similar Questions