you are caring for a patient who has just been told that her stage iv colon cancer has recurred and metastasized to the liver the oncologist offers th
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

Oncology Test Bank

1. You are caring for a patient who has just been told that her stage IV colon cancer has recurred and metastasized to the liver. The oncologist offers the patient the option of surgery to treat the progression of this disease. What type of surgery does the oncologist offer?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Palliative. Palliative surgery is aimed at relieving symptoms and improving quality of life when a cure is not possible. In this scenario, where the cancer has recurred and metastasized, the goal of surgery would be to alleviate symptoms rather than to cure the disease. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because reconstructive surgery aims to restore function or appearance, salvage surgery aims to remove or salvage tissue to prevent further complications, and prophylactic surgery aims to prevent the development of a condition rather than treat its progression.

2. The nurse is assessing the colostomy of a client who has had an abdominal perineal resection for a bowel tumor. Which assessment finding indicates that the colostomy is beginning to function?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The passage of flatus (gas) from the colostomy is an early sign that the bowel is beginning to function after surgery. This indicates that peristalsis, or the movement of the intestines, has resumed and that the digestive system is actively moving gas and eventually stool through the bowel and out of the colostomy. It’s a positive sign that the bowel is recovering from the surgery and starting to work as intended.

3. The nurse is instructing a client on ways to reduce the risk of lymphedema after a mastectomy. Which of the following should be emphasized?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After a mastectomy, particularly when lymph nodes are removed, patients are at increased risk for developing lymphedema, which is a buildup of lymph fluid that can cause swelling in the affected arm. Wearing tight clothing can constrict lymphatic flow and increase the risk of developing lymphedema by impeding normal lymphatic drainage. Therefore, it is crucial to advise patients to avoid tight-fitting clothing, especially around the chest and arm areas.

4. The nurse is reviewing the medication record for a client receiving chemotherapy and notes that the client is receiving epoetin alfa (Epogen). The nurse determines that this medication has been prescribed to:

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Epoetin alfa (Epogen) is a synthetic form of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. Chemotherapy often leads to anemia due to its effects on rapidly dividing cells, including those in the bone marrow responsible for red blood cell production. By administering epoetin alfa, the healthcare provider aims to increase the red blood cell count and improve hemoglobin levels, thereby alleviating symptoms associated with anemia, such as fatigue and weakness.

5. A patient with leukemia has developed stomatitis and is experiencing a nutritional deficit. An oral anesthetic has consequently been prescribed. What health education should the nurse provide to the patient?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: If oral anesthetics are used, the patient must be warned to chew with extreme care to avoid inadvertently biting the tongue or buccal mucosa.

Similar Questions

An oncology nurse educator is providing health education to a patient who has been diagnosed with skin cancer. The patient’s wife has asked about the differences between normal cells and cancer cells. What characteristic of a cancer cell should the educator cite?
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 nurse is planning care for a patient with leukemia who has been experiencing severe fatigue. What is the most appropriate intervention to include in the care plan?
Which of the following is a correct statement by the nurse to a patient under radiation therapy?
The nurse has taught a client with cancer ways to prevent infection. What statement by the client indicates that more teaching is needed?

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