Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a patient who is being treated for leukemia in the hospital. The patient was able to maintain her nutritional status for the first few weeks following her diagnosis but is now exhibiting early signs and symptoms of malnutrition. In collaboration with the dietitian, what intervention should the nurse implement?

• A. Arrange for total parenteral nutrition (TPN).
• B. Facilitate placement of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube.
• C. Provide the patient with several small, soft-textured meals each day.
• D. Assign responsibility for the patient's nutrition to the patient's friends and family.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For patients experiencing difficulties with oral intake, the provision of small, easily chewed meals may be beneficial. Option A (TPN) and B (PEG tube placement) are more invasive interventions and should be considered if non-oral routes are necessary. Option D is not appropriate as the primary responsibility for a patient's nutrition should lie with healthcare professionals to ensure proper management and monitoring.

2. A patient was admitted with gastric cancer. The patient asks the nurse about things to expect while receiving chemotherapy. Which of the following statements of the nurse shows incompetence?

• A. You can expect hair loss, but do not worry it will grow back immediately
• B. You may be infected easily, so avoid going to overpopulated places
• C. We may need to monitor your uric acid levels
• D. We may need to monitor your RBCs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: While hair loss (alopecia) is a common side effect of chemotherapy due to the damage to rapidly dividing hair follicle cells, the statement that hair will grow back "immediately" is inaccurate and misleading. Hair regrowth after chemotherapy takes time, typically starting a few weeks to months after treatment ends. The new hair may also have a different texture or color initially. Therefore, this statement indicates a lack of understanding and could give the patient unrealistic expectations, which is why it shows incompetence.

3. Nurse Cecilia is caring for a client who has undergone a vaginal hysterectomy. The nurse avoids which of the following in the care of this client?

• A. Elevating the knee gatch on the bed
• B. Assisting with range-of-motion leg exercises
• C. Removal of antiembolism stockings twice daily
• D. Checking placement of pneumatic compression boots

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Elevating the knee gatch on the bed should be avoided in the care of a client who has undergone a vaginal hysterectomy. This action can inhibit venous return, increasing the risk of deep vein thrombosis or thrombophlebitis. Choices B, C, and D are appropriate nursing interventions for postoperative care to prevent complications and promote circulation.

4. Traditionally, nurses have been involved with tertiary cancer prevention. However, an increasing emphasis is being placed on both primary and secondary prevention. What would be an example of primary prevention?

• A. Yearly Pap tests
• B. Testicular self-examination
• C. Teaching patients to wear sunscreen
• D. Screening mammograms

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Primary prevention involves actions taken to reduce the risk of developing cancer by preventing exposure to known risk factors or promoting healthy behaviors. Teaching patients to wear sunscreen is an example of primary prevention because it aims to reduce the risk of skin cancer by minimizing exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Encouraging protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, avoiding tanning beds, and wearing protective clothing are all steps to prevent skin cancer before it develops.

5. A nurse is providing education to a patient with polycythemia vera about self-care strategies. What advice should the nurse include?

• A. Avoid hot showers
• B. Drink plenty of fluids
• C. Avoid tight and restrictive clothing
• D. Avoid prolonged sitting

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct advice for a patient with polycythemia vera is to drink plenty of fluids. This helps in reducing the risk of thrombosis by keeping the blood less viscous. Avoiding hot showers (Choice A) is not directly related to managing polycythemia vera. While avoiding tight and restrictive clothing (Choice C) can help improve circulation, it is not the most crucial advice for these patients. Avoiding prolonged sitting (Choice D) is important to prevent blood clots but is not as critical as staying well-hydrated.

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