Nursing Elites

1. A patient admitted with cancer asks the nurse about the difference between chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Which of the following responses by the nurse indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. Chemotherapy kills cancer cells
• B. Radiation therapy can be internal or external
• C. Radiation therapy is often external
• D. Chemotherapy is more likely to kill normal cells

Correct answer: D

Rationale: While chemotherapy does affect normal, healthy cells—particularly those that divide rapidly—it is not "more likely" to kill normal cells compared to cancer cells. Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, which includes both cancer cells and some normal cells (like those in hair follicles, the gastrointestinal tract, and bone marrow). However, its primary goal is to kill cancer cells, and its effects on normal cells are a side effect, not the main function. Therefore, the statement that chemotherapy is "more likely" to kill normal cells is inaccurate and indicates a need for further teaching.

2. 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.

3. When educating a patient with multiple myeloma who is being discharged home, what should the nurse emphasize regarding the management of this condition?

• A. Increasing fluid intake
• B. Avoiding sunlight exposure
• C. Monitoring for signs of infection
• D. Managing pain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Monitoring for signs of infection. Patients with multiple myeloma have a compromised immune system, making them more susceptible to infections. Emphasizing the importance of monitoring for signs of infection helps in early detection and prompt treatment. Increasing fluid intake (choice A) is essential for many health conditions but is not the priority in managing multiple myeloma. Avoiding sunlight exposure (choice B) may be relevant for certain skin conditions or medications but is not a key aspect of multiple myeloma management. Managing pain (choice D) is important, but in the context of multiple myeloma, monitoring for signs of infection takes precedence due to the increased risk of infections in these patients.

4. A nurse who works in an oncology clinic is assessing a patient who has arrived for a 2-month follow-up appointment following chemotherapy. The nurse notes that the patient's skin appears yellow. Which blood tests should be done to further explore this clinical sign?

• A. Liver function tests (LFTs)
• B. Complete blood count (CBC)
• C. Platelet count
• D. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Detailed Rationale: Yellow skin is a sign of jaundice, which is often associated with liver disease. Liver function tests (LFTs) help in evaluating liver health and function. A complete blood count (CBC) primarily assesses red and white blood cells and platelets, not directly related to jaundice. Platelet count specifically measures platelets in the blood and is unrelated to the yellow skin observed in this patient. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine tests focus on kidney function, not typically associated with yellow skin, making them less relevant in this context.

5. A patient with Hodgkin lymphoma is receiving radiation therapy. What side effect should the nurse monitor for that is most common with this type of treatment?

• A. Alopecia
• B. Fatigue
• C. Nausea
• D. Mucositis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Mucositis is a common side effect of radiation therapy that should be closely monitored.

Similar Questions