ATI RN
Oncology Test Bank
1. The nurse is caring for a client following radical neck dissection and creation of a tracheostomy. Which assessment finding would indicate an immediate need for intervention?
- A. Frequent swallowing
- B. Presence of mucous membranes
- C. Bubbling in the water-seal chamber
- D. Inspiratory stridor
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Inspiratory stridor is the correct answer as it suggests airway obstruction, a critical issue requiring immediate intervention. Frequent swallowing (choice A) is a common postoperative finding and does not indicate an immediate need for intervention. The presence of mucous membranes (choice B) is a normal finding and does not require immediate intervention. Bubbling in the water-seal chamber (choice C) of a chest tube drainage system is an expected finding and indicates proper functioning of the system, not an immediate need for intervention.
2. A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who is receiving the drug imatinib (Gleevec). What should the nurse monitor in this patient to assess for side effects of this therapy?
- A. Cardiac function
- B. Renal function
- C. Liver function
- D. Pulmonary function
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cardiac function. Imatinib can cause fluid retention and heart failure, so cardiac function should be closely monitored. Renal function (choice B) is not typically affected by imatinib. Liver function (choice C) is not the primary concern with this medication. Pulmonary function (choice D) is not directly impacted by imatinib therapy.
3. The nurse manager is teaching the nursing staff about signs and symptoms related to hypercalcemia in a client with metastatic prostate cancer and tells the staff that which is a late sign of this oncological emergency?
- A. Headache
- B. Dysphagia
- C. Constipation
- D. Electrocardiographic changes
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Electrocardiographic changes. In clients with metastatic prostate cancer, hypercalcemia can lead to various signs and symptoms. Electrocardiographic changes are considered a late sign of hypercalcemia, indicating severe electrolyte imbalance. Headache (choice A), dysphagia (choice B), and constipation (choice C) are earlier signs of hypercalcemia and may precede the development of more severe symptoms like electrocardiographic changes.
4. A client is admitted with superior vena cava syndrome. What action by the nurse is most appropriate?
- A. Administer a dose of allopurinol.
- B. Assess the client’s serum potassium level.
- C. Gently inquire about advance directives.
- D. Prepare the client for emergency surgery.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to gently inquire about advance directives. Superior vena cava syndrome is often a late-stage manifestation, indicating a serious condition. Discussing advance directives with the client is crucial to ensure their wishes are known in case of deterioration. Administering allopurinol (Choice A) is not indicated for superior vena cava syndrome. Assessing the client’s serum potassium level (Choice B) is not the priority when managing this syndrome. Emergency surgery (Choice D) is not typically the initial treatment for superior vena cava syndrome.
5. A nurse provides care on a bone marrow transplant unit and is preparing a female patient for a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) the following day. What information should the nurse emphasize to the patient’s family and friends?
- A. Your family should gather at the bedside in case there is a negative outcome.
- B. Ensure she abstains from eating any food 24 hours before the procedure.
- C. Wear a hospital gown when entering the patient's room.
- D. Avoid visiting if you've had a recent infection.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Avoid visiting if you've had a recent infection.' Before a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, it is essential for visitors to refrain from visiting if they have had a recent illness or vaccination to minimize the risk of infection to the patient. Choice A is incorrect because emphasizing a negative outcome is not beneficial to the patient or their family. Choice B is incorrect as it is not necessary to abstain from food for a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Choice C is irrelevant to the situation as wearing a hospital gown is not the key information for family and friends to be aware of.
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