Nursing Elites

1. A patient’s most recent diagnostic imaging has revealed that his lung cancer has metastasized to his bones and liver. What is the most likely mechanism by which the patient’s cancer cells spread?

• A. Hematologic spread
• B. Lymphatic circulation
• C. Invasion
• D. Angiogenesis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the case of lung cancer that has metastasized to the bones and liver, lymphatic circulation is a key mechanism by which cancer cells spread from the primary tumor site to distant organs. Cancer cells can invade nearby lymphatic vessels and travel through the lymphatic system, eventually reaching lymph nodes and spreading to other tissues and organs. This route is significant in the metastasis of many types of cancer, including lung cancer.

2. A client with cancer is admitted to a short-term rehabilitation facility. The nurse prepares to administer the client’s oral chemotherapy medications. What action by the nurse is most appropriate?

• A. Crush the medications if the client cannot swallow them.
• B. Give one medication at a time with a full glass of water.
• C. No special precautions are needed for these medications.
• D. Wear personal protective equipment when handling the medications.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Oral chemotherapy requires the same precautions as IV chemotherapy; personal protective equipment is necessary.

3. A nurse is caring for a client with thrombocytopenia. Which action is the highest priority to reduce the risk of bleeding?

• A. Use an electric razor instead of a straight razor.
• B. Apply pressure to any bleeding sites for at least 5 minutes.
• C. Avoid invasive procedures unless absolutely necessary.
• D. Monitor for signs of internal bleeding.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The highest priority action to reduce the risk of bleeding in a client with thrombocytopenia is to avoid invasive procedures unless absolutely necessary. Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by a low platelet count, which impairs the blood's ability to clot properly. By avoiding invasive procedures, the nurse minimizes the potential for bleeding episodes that could be challenging to control due to the low platelet count. Using an electric razor instead of a straight razor (Choice A) is a good practice to prevent cuts, but it is not as critical as avoiding invasive procedures in this scenario. Applying pressure to bleeding sites (Choice B) and monitoring for signs of internal bleeding (Choice D) are important interventions but are secondary to the priority of preventing bleeding by avoiding invasive procedures.

4. A gastrectomy is performed on a client with gastric cancer. In the immediate postoperative period, the nurse notes bloody drainage from the nasogastric tube. The nurse should take which most appropriate action?

• A. Measure abdominal girth.
• B. Irrigate the nasogastric tube.
• C. Continue to monitor the drainage.
• D. Notify the health care provider (HCP).

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the immediate postoperative period following a gastrectomy, any bloody drainage from the nasogastric (NG) tube is concerning and requires prompt evaluation. This could indicate potential complications such as bleeding from the surgical site, erosion, or other postoperative issues. Notifying the healthcare provider immediately is crucial to ensure that the patient receives timely assessment and intervention. The presence of blood may necessitate further diagnostic procedures, interventions, or changes in management to prevent serious complications.

5. The nurse is assessing the colostomy of a client who has had an abdominal perineal resection for a bowel tumor. Which assessment finding indicates that the colostomy is beginning to function?

• A. The passage of flatus
• B. Absent bowel sounds
• C. The client’s ability to tolerate food
• D. Bloody drainage from the colostomy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The passage of flatus (gas) from the colostomy is an early sign that the bowel is beginning to function after surgery. This indicates that peristalsis, or the movement of the intestines, has resumed and that the digestive system is actively moving gas and eventually stool through the bowel and out of the colostomy. It’s a positive sign that the bowel is recovering from the surgery and starting to work as intended.

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