nurse farah is caring for a client following a mastectomy which assessment finding indicates that the client is experiencing a complication related to
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

Oncology Test Bank

1. Nurse Farah is caring for a client following a mastectomy. Which assessment finding indicates that the client is experiencing a complication related to the surgery?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Arm edema on the operative side (lymphedema) is a known complication after a mastectomy. This can indicate impaired lymphatic drainage, leading to fluid accumulation in the arm. Pain at the incision site is expected postoperatively and may not necessarily indicate a complication. Sanguineous drainage in the Jackson-Pratt drain is a common finding in the immediate postoperative period. Complaints of decreased sensation near the operative site could be related to nerve damage or surgical manipulation, but it is not a typical complication after a mastectomy.

2. A client undergoing chemotherapy is at risk for developing mucositis. What nursing intervention is most appropriate to help manage this condition?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Avoiding spicy or acidic foods can help prevent irritation of the mucosa, which is already sensitive during mucositis.

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

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

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.

5. The clinical nurse educator is presenting health promotion education to a patient who will be treated for non-Hodgkin lymphoma on an outpatient basis. The nurse should recommend which of the following actions?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) often experience a compromised immune system due to both the disease itself and the effects of treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, which cause myelosuppression (decreased production of blood cells, including white blood cells). This puts them at significant risk for infections. Avoiding crowded places is a crucial preventive measure, as it reduces the patient's exposure to pathogens that could lead to infections, which can be particularly severe due to their weakened immune system.

Similar Questions

An emergency department nurse is triaging a 77-year-old man who presents with uncharacteristic fatigue as well as back and rib pain. The patient denies any recent injuries. The nurse should recognize the need for this patient to be assessed for what health problem?
Nurse Mandy is teaching a client about the side effects of radiation therapy. Which of the following should the nurse emphasize?
In caring for a patient with a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) receiving induction therapy on the oncology unit, what nursing action should be prioritized in the patient's care plan?
The nurse is instructing a client on ways to reduce the risk of lymphedema after a mastectomy. Which of the following should be emphasized?
The nurse is developing a plan of care for the client with multiple myeloma and includes which priority intervention in the plan?

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