Nursing Elites

1. Nurse Ben is reviewing the laboratory results of a client undergoing chemotherapy. Which of the following values would require immediate intervention?

• A. Platelet count of 150,000/mm3
• B. White blood cell count of 6,000/mm3
• C. Hemoglobin level of 14 g/dL
• D. Absolute neutrophil count of 500/mm3

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An absolute neutrophil count of 500/mm3 indicates severe neutropenia, putting the client at high risk for infection. Neutrophils are crucial in fighting off infections; a low count increases susceptibility to infections. Platelet count, white blood cell count, and hemoglobin levels are within normal ranges and do not require immediate intervention in this scenario.

2. A patient with multiple myeloma has developed hypercalcemia. What symptoms should the nurse monitor for in this patient?

• A. Increased heart rate
• B. Decreased urine output
• C. Muscle weakness
• D. Hypertension

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Muscle weakness. In patients with multiple myeloma who have developed hypercalcemia, monitoring for muscle weakness is crucial. Hypercalcemia can lead to muscle weakness due to its effects on neuromuscular function. Choice A, increased heart rate, is more commonly associated with conditions like dehydration or anxiety rather than hypercalcemia. Choice B, decreased urine output, is commonly seen in conditions leading to acute kidney injury rather than hypercalcemia. Choice D, hypertension, is not a typical symptom of hypercalcemia and is more commonly associated with other conditions like uncontrolled high blood pressure.

3. A patient with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is receiving induction therapy. What is the priority nursing intervention during this phase of treatment?

• A. Administering pain management
• B. Monitoring for signs of infection
• C. Providing emotional support
• D. Monitoring fluid balance

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Induction therapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) involves intensive chemotherapy aimed at achieving remission by eliminating a large number of cancerous cells. However, this aggressive treatment also severely reduces the production of healthy blood cells, including neutrophils, which leads to neutropenia (a dangerously low number of neutrophils). This makes the patient highly susceptible to infections, which can be life-threatening. Monitoring for signs of infection is critical during this phase, as infections may occur quickly and progress rapidly due to the compromised immune system. Early detection and prompt treatment of infections are vital to improving patient outcomes during induction therapy.

4. A client with cancer has anorexia and mucositis, and is losing weight. The client’s family members continually bring favorite foods to the client and are distressed when the client won’t eat them. What action by the nurse is best?

• A. Explain the pathophysiologic reasons behind the client not eating.
• B. Help the family show other ways to demonstrate love and caring.
• C. Suggest foods and liquids the client might be willing to try to eat.
• D. Tell the family the client isn’t able to eat now no matter what they bring.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The best action for the nurse in this situation is to help the family show other ways to demonstrate love and caring. When a client with cancer is experiencing anorexia and mucositis, it can be challenging for them to eat even their favorite foods. By assisting the family in finding alternative ways to provide comfort and care, the nurse can help create a supportive environment for the client. Option A is not the best choice as explaining the pathophysiologic reasons may not address the emotional needs of the client and family. Option C, suggesting foods and liquids, might not be helpful if the client is unable to tolerate them due to their condition. Option D, telling the family that the client can't eat, may come across as dismissive and not supportive of the family's concerns.

5. A patient has been found to have an indolent neoplasm. The nurse should recognize what implication of this condition?

• A. The patient faces a significant risk of malignancy.
• B. The patient has a myeloid form of leukemia.
• C. The patient has a lymphocytic form of leukemia.
• D. The patient has a major risk factor for hemophilia.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'The patient faces a significant risk of malignancy.' Indolent neoplasms are characterized by their slow growth and relatively low malignancy potential; however, they do have the capability to progress to malignancy over time. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they make assumptions about specific types of leukemia and hemophilia, which are not necessarily related to the presence of an indolent neoplasm.

Similar Questions