Nursing Elites

1. A nurse enters the room of a patient with bladder cancer. The patient asks the nurse about the actions of chemotherapeutic drugs. Which of the following statements by the nurse is correct?

• A. Chemotherapeutic drugs will kill all of your cancer cells
• B. Chemotherapeutic medications are attracted mostly to slowly dividing cells
• C. Chemotherapy can cure cancer
• D. Chemotherapy is specifically destroying cancer cells

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Chemotherapy drugs are designed to target and destroy rapidly dividing cells, which include cancer cells. Cancer cells often divide more quickly than normal cells, and chemotherapeutic agents exploit this characteristic to inhibit their growth and promote cell death. While chemotherapy can also affect other rapidly dividing normal cells (such as those in the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract, and hair follicles), the primary goal is to target cancerous cells.

2. Gastric cancer is known to have numerous risk factors. Which of the following is not a risk factor?

• A. Diet high in sodium
• B. Diet with high amounts of chili garlic
• C. Smoking
• D. Diet high in fiber

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A diet high in fiber is not a risk factor for gastric cancer; in fact, it is generally considered protective against cancers. High sodium intake (Choice A) has been associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer. Diets with high amounts of chili garlic (Choice B) may irritate the stomach lining, potentially contributing to the development of gastric cancer. Smoking (Choice C) is a well-established risk factor for various types of cancers, including gastric cancer.

3. The clinic nurse is caring for a patient whose grandmother and sister have both had breast cancer. She requested a screening test to determine her risk of developing breast cancer and it has come back positive. The patient asks you what she can do to help prevent breast cancer from occurring. What would be your best response?

• A. Research has shown that eating a healthy diet can provide all the protection you need against breast cancer.
• B. Research has shown that taking the drug tamoxifen can reduce your chance of breast cancer.
• C. Research has shown that exercising at least 30 minutes every day can reduce your chance of breast cancer.
• D. Research has shown that there is little you can do to reduce your risk of breast cancer if you have a genetic predisposition.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in women who are at high risk, particularly those with a family history of the disease or a positive genetic test for BRCA mutations. Large-scale studies have demonstrated that tamoxifen can reduce the incidence of breast cancer by up to 50% in high-risk women. It works by blocking estrogen receptors in breast tissue, which helps prevent the development of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancers.

4. The patient is anxious about subjection to radiation therapy. Which of the following statements of the student nurse requires additional teaching?

• A. Teletherapy is radiation from an external source.
• B. Brachytherapy can be administered via oral or IV.
• C. Brachytherapy is a radiation from inside the patient's body.
• D. Chemotherapy is effective in killing all cancer cells.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the statement 'Chemotherapy is effective in killing all cancer cells' is incorrect. Chemotherapy does not kill all cancer cells and is not the same as radiation therapy. Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells, but it may not kill every single cancer cell. It is important for the student nurse to understand and communicate this distinction to the patient. Choices A, B, and C provide accurate information about teletherapy, brachytherapy, and chemotherapy, respectively, and do not require additional teaching.

5. Nurse Mandy is teaching a client about the side effects of radiation therapy. Which of the following should the nurse emphasize?

• A. Radiation therapy is painless.
• B. You may experience hair loss.
• C. Fatigue is a common side effect.
• D. You may experience nausea and vomiting.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Fatigue is one of the most frequent and profound side effects of radiation therapy. It often occurs because radiation can damage both cancerous and healthy cells, and the body requires energy to repair the damage caused by the treatment. Fatigue from radiation can be cumulative, meaning it may worsen as treatments progress, and can significantly affect the client’s daily activities, requiring the nurse to educate the client on energy conservation techniques.

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