Nursing Elites

1. A client receiving radiation therapy for breast cancer may experience which of the following side effects that the nurse should monitor for?

• A. Fatigue
• B. Nausea
• C. Skin irritation
• D. Weight gain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During radiation therapy for breast cancer, one common side effect is skin irritation due to the impact of radiation on the skin cells. This side effect should be closely monitored by the nurse. Fatigue may also occur as a side effect of radiation therapy, but skin irritation is more specific to the treatment area and is a priority in this case. Nausea and weight gain are not typically associated with radiation therapy for breast cancer, making them incorrect choices.

2. A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter for a female client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Perform perineal care before the procedure.
• B. Apply sterile gloves before cleansing the perineal area.
• C. Place the client in a supine position.
• D. Lubricate the catheter with alcohol-based gel.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Before inserting an indwelling urinary catheter for a female client, the nurse should apply sterile gloves before cleansing the perineal area to prevent infection. Performing perineal care before the procedure is incorrect as it should be done after catheter insertion. Placing the client in a side-lying position is not necessary for this procedure. Lubricating the catheter with petroleum jelly is not recommended as it can damage the catheter; using a water-soluble lubricant is preferred.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and a prescription for digoxin. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Heart rate of 60/min
• B. Respiratory rate of 16/min
• C. Sodium level of 138 mEq/L
• D. Weight gain of 1.5 kg (3.3 lb) in 24 hours

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. A weight gain of 1.5 kg (3.3 lb) in 24 hours can indicate fluid retention and worsening heart failure in clients taking digoxin. This rapid weight gain could be due to fluid accumulation, a common sign of heart failure exacerbation. Reporting this finding to the provider is crucial for prompt intervention. Choices A, B, and C are within normal ranges and not directly indicative of worsening heart failure in this context, making them less urgent to report compared to the significant weight gain.

4. A client is receiving chemotherapy and is being taught about preventing infection. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take your temperature daily.
• B. Avoid fresh fruits and vegetables.
• C. Limit your intake of high-protein foods.
• D. Increase your intake of high-fat foods.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Clients receiving chemotherapy are instructed to avoid fresh fruits and vegetables to lower the risk of infection. Fresh produce may harbor bacteria or other pathogens that could be harmful to individuals with compromised immune systems. Taking the temperature daily may be important but is not directly related to preventing infection. Limiting high-protein foods is not necessary unless there are specific dietary restrictions due to the treatment plan. Increasing the intake of high-fat foods is not recommended during chemotherapy as a high-fat diet may lead to other health issues.

5. While caring for a client receiving a blood transfusion who reports chills, which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Stop the transfusion.
• B. Administer acetaminophen as prescribed.
• C. Notify the provider.
• D. Check the client's blood pressure.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take first when a client reports chills during a blood transfusion is to stop the transfusion. Chills can indicate a transfusion reaction, which is a potentially serious situation. Stopping the transfusion immediately is crucial to prevent further complications. Administering acetaminophen or checking the client's blood pressure can come after ensuring the safety of the client by stopping the transfusion. Notifying the provider is important, but the immediate priority is to stop the transfusion.

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