Nursing Elites

1. A 62-year-old woman diagnosed with breast cancer is scheduled for a partial mastectomy. The oncology nurse explained that the surgeon will want to take tissue samples to ensure the disease has not spread to adjacent axillary lymph nodes. The patient has asked if she will have her lymph nodes dissected, like her mother did several years ago. What alternative to lymph node dissection will this patient most likely undergo?

• A. Lymphadenectomy
• B. Needle biopsy
• C. Open biopsy
• D. Sentinel node biopsy

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a minimally invasive alternative to more extensive lymph node dissection. This procedure involves identifying and removing the first lymph node(s) to which a tumor drains, known as the sentinel node(s), to determine if cancer has spread beyond the primary site. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because lymphadenectomy refers to the surgical removal of lymph nodes, needle biopsy involves sampling tissue with a needle for analysis, and open biopsy refers to the surgical removal of a sample of tissue for examination, none of which specifically serve as an alternative to lymph node dissection in this context.

2. What advice should the oncology nurse give to a client planning a beach vacation after completing radiation treatments for cancer?

• A. Avoid getting salt water on the radiation site.
• B. Do not expose the radiation area to direct sunlight.
• C. Have a wonderful time and enjoy your vacation!
• D. Remember you should not drink alcohol for a year.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the skin at the radiation site is sensitive to sunlight, and exposure can cause further damage. It is crucial to protect the area from direct sunlight to prevent skin irritation or burns. Choice A is incorrect as salt water typically does not pose a significant risk to the radiation site. Choice C is a positive and encouraging response but does not provide necessary advice for post-radiation care. Choice D, while important in some cases, is not directly related to the client's beach vacation after completing radiation treatments.

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. An oncology nurse is providing health education for a patient who has recently been diagnosed with leukemia. What should the nurse explain about commonalities between all of the different subtypes of leukemia?

• A. The different leukemias all involve unregulated proliferation of white blood cells.
• B. The different leukemias all have unregulated proliferation of red blood cells and decreased bone marrow function.
• C. The different leukemias all result in a decrease in the production of white blood cells.
• D. The different leukemias all involve the development of cancer in the lymphatic system.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Leukemia commonly involves unregulated proliferation of white blood cells.

5. While a patient is receiving IV doxorubicin hydrochloride for the treatment of cancer, the nurse observes swelling and pain at the IV site. The nurse should prioritize what action?

• A. Stopping the administration of the drug immediately
• B. Notifying the patient's physician
• C. Continuing the infusion but decreasing the rate
• D. Applying a warm compress to the infusion site

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when observing swelling and pain at the IV site during the administration of doxorubicin hydrochloride is to stop the administration of the drug immediately. Doxorubicin hydrochloride can cause severe tissue damage, so discontinuing the infusion is crucial to prevent further harm to the patient. Notifying the physician is important, but it should not take precedence over stopping the drug. Continuing the infusion, even at a decreased rate, can exacerbate tissue damage. Applying a warm compress is not appropriate in this situation and may worsen the tissue injury caused by the drug.

Similar Questions