an oncology nurse educator is providing health education to a patient who has been diagnosed with skin cancer the patients wife has asked about the di
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Oncology Questions

1. An oncology nurse educator is providing health education to a patient who has been diagnosed with skin cancer. The patient’s wife has asked about the differences between normal cells and cancer cells. What characteristic of a cancer cell should the educator cite?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Malignant (cancer) cells often express tumor-specific antigens (TSAs), which are proteins or markers on the surface of cancer cells that are not found on normal cells. These antigens are produced due to genetic mutations in cancer cells and can sometimes be used to help the immune system recognize and attack cancerous cells. Tumor-specific antigens play a key role in cancer diagnosis, monitoring, and targeted therapies.

2. Mina, who is suspected of an ovarian tumor is scheduled for a pelvic ultrasound. The nurse provides which preprocedure instruction to the client?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A pelvic ultrasound requires the client to have a full bladder because the bladder acts as a window through which pelvic organs, such as the uterus and ovaries, can be visualized more clearly. The full bladder pushes the intestines out of the way and provides a better acoustic pathway for the ultrasound waves. Without this, the pelvic organs might be obscured, and the images would be less accurate.

3. As part of chemotherapy education, the nurse teaches a female client about the risk for bleeding and self-care during the period of greatest bone marrow suppression (the nadir). The nurse understands that further teaching is needed if the client makes which statement?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Taking aspirin is not recommended during periods of bone marrow suppression as it can increase the risk of bleeding. Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can impair platelet function, further exacerbating the risk of bleeding. Choices A, B, and D are all appropriate statements for a client at risk for bleeding and undergoing chemotherapy. Blowing the nose gently, being prepared for a platelet transfusion if needed, and monitoring menstrual bleeding are all important aspects of self-care during this period.

4. Nurse Rose is caring for a client with cancer who has developed spinal cord compression. Which of the following symptoms would the nurse expect to find?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Back pain.' Back pain is a common symptom of spinal cord compression in cancer patients. This condition can cause localized or radiating back pain due to the compression of the spinal cord or nerves. While symptoms such as decreased deep tendon reflexes, severe headache, and loss of bladder control can occur in other conditions, back pain is specifically associated with spinal cord compression in cancer patients.

5. A nurse working with oncology clients knows that an age-related decrease in which function increases the older client’s susceptibility to infection during chemotherapy?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: As people age, the immune system becomes less efficient, a phenomenon known as immunosenescence. This decline in immune function includes reduced production of immune cells (such as T cells and B cells) and diminished responses to infections. During chemotherapy, which further suppresses the immune system, older clients are at a significantly higher risk of developing infections due to this age-related decrease in immune function. This is especially concerning because chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, which include immune cells, making it even harder for the body to fight off infections.

Similar Questions

The nurse is monitoring a client for signs and symptoms related to superior vena cava syndrome. Which is an early sign of this oncological emergency?
When working with clients experiencing alopecia, what is the best method for a nurse to help them manage the psychosocial impact of this issue?
A client with cancer is receiving palliative care. Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of palliative care?
An oncology patient has just returned from the post-anesthesia care unit after an open hemicolectomy. This patient’s plan of nursing care should prioritize which of the following?
A client is admitted to the hospital with a suspected diagnosis of Hodgkin’s disease. Which assessment finding would the nurse expect to note specifically in the client?

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