ATI RN
Oncology Questions
1. A client with neutropenia is admitted to the hospital. What precaution is most important for the nurse to implement?
- A. Strict hand hygiene.
- B. Limit visitor contact with the client.
- C. Administer prophylactic antibiotics as ordered.
- D. Administer blood products as ordered.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Strict hand hygiene. Neutropenic clients have a low level of neutrophils, which are important in fighting infections. Therefore, maintaining strict hand hygiene is crucial in preventing the introduction of pathogens that could lead to infections. Limiting visitor contact (choice B) is important but not as critical as preventing the introduction of pathogens through proper hand hygiene. Administering prophylactic antibiotics (choice C) and blood products (choice D) are treatment measures and do not address the preventive aspect that hand hygiene provides.
2. A healthcare professional is assessing a female client who is taking hormone therapy for breast cancer. What assessment finding requires the healthcare professional to notify the primary health care provider immediately?
- A. Irregular menses.
- B. Edema in the lower extremities.
- C. Ongoing breast tenderness.
- D. Red, warm, swollen calf.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. A red, warm, swollen calf may indicate a deep vein thrombosis, which is a medical emergency. This finding requires immediate notification of the primary health care provider to prevent potential complications such as pulmonary embolism. Choices A, B, and C are not indicative of life-threatening conditions and should be monitored but do not require immediate notification like a suspected deep vein thrombosis.
3. When reviewing the safe administration of antineoplastic agents, what action should the nurse emphasize?
- A. Adjust the dose based on the patient's present symptoms.
- B. Wash hands with an alcohol-based cleanser before and after administration.
- C. Use gloves and a lab coat when preparing and administering the medication.
- D. Dispose of the antineoplastic wastes in the hazardous waste receptacle.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to dispose of the antineoplastic wastes in the hazardous waste receptacle. Antineoplastic agents are hazardous materials, and proper disposal is crucial to prevent harm to individuals and the environment. Option A is incorrect because adjusting the dose based on the patient's present symptoms may not be safe without proper authorization. Option B is incorrect as hand hygiene should be performed both before and after administering medications. Option C is incorrect as gloves and a lab coat should be worn primarily during handling and administration, not just during preparation.
4. Which of the following is a correct statement by the nurse to a patient under radiation therapy?
- A. Brachytherapy can be performed by a pregnant nurse.
- B. Teletherapy makes the patient radioactive.
- C. Brachytherapy is an internal radiation therapy.
- D. Teletherapy requires proper disposal of feces since it can be a source of radiation.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Brachytherapy is an internal radiation therapy.' Brachytherapy involves the placement of radioactive sources inside or next to the area requiring treatment. This differs from teletherapy, which is external radiation therapy. Choice A is incorrect as pregnant individuals should avoid exposure to radiation. Choice B is incorrect because teletherapy does not make the patient radioactive; the radiation source is external. Choice D is incorrect as feces is not a significant source of radiation during teletherapy.
5. As part of chemotherapy education, the nurse teaches a female client about the risk for bleeding and self-care during the period of greatest bone marrow suppression (the nadir). The nurse understands that further teaching is needed if the client makes which statement?
- A. I should avoid blowing my nose.
- B. I may need a platelet transfusion if my platelet count is too low.
- C. I should take aspirin for my headache as soon as I get home.
- D. I will count the number of pads and tampons I use when menstruating.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Taking aspirin is not recommended during periods of bone marrow suppression as it can increase the risk of bleeding. Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can impair platelet function, further exacerbating the risk of bleeding. Choices A, B, and D are all appropriate statements for a client at risk for bleeding and undergoing chemotherapy. Blowing the nose gently, being prepared for a platelet transfusion if needed, and monitoring menstrual bleeding are all important aspects of self-care during this period.
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