nurse lisa is assessing a client who has just completed radiation therapy to the neck area which of the following findings is most concerning
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Oncology Questions

1. Nurse Lisa is assessing a client who has just completed radiation therapy to the neck area. Which of the following findings is most concerning?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) following radiation therapy to the neck area is a significant concern because it can indicate serious complications such as esophageal stricture, inflammation, or damage to the surrounding tissues, including the esophagus. This can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, or aspiration, all of which require prompt intervention. Radiation therapy can cause irritation and scarring in the esophageal and throat tissues, which may progressively worsen if not treated. Therefore, dysphagia should be addressed immediately to prevent further complications.

2. Which of the following statements by the oncology nurse displays understanding about antineoplastic medications?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, which include both cancerous and healthy cells, such as those in the bone marrow, hair follicles, and the lining of the digestive tract. Since the bone marrow produces immune cells (white blood cells), chemotherapy can weaken the immune system by reducing the body’s ability to produce these cells, making patients more susceptible to infections. This is why close monitoring and supportive measures to protect immune function are important during chemotherapy treatment.

3. A patient diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia has just been admitted to the oncology unit. When writing this patient's care plan, what potential complication should the nurse address?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hemorrhage. Patients with acute myelogenous leukemia are at high risk of hemorrhage due to low platelet count and abnormal clotting factors caused by bone marrow suppression. Pancreatitis (choice A) is not a common complication of acute myelogenous leukemia. Arteritis (choice C) refers to inflammation of arteries and is not a typical complication of this type of leukemia. Liver dysfunction (choice D) is not a primary concern in the immediate care plan for a patient with acute myelogenous leukemia.

4. The nurse is developing a plan of care for the client with multiple myeloma and includes which priority intervention in the plan?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Encouraging fluids. In a client with multiple myeloma, encouraging fluids is a priority intervention to prevent kidney damage from high calcium levels. Adequate hydration helps maintain renal function and prevents complications. Providing frequent oral care (Choice B) is essential for clients at risk of mucositis or oral infections, such as those undergoing chemotherapy. Coughing and deep breathing exercises (Choice C) are commonly used for clients at risk of respiratory complications, like postoperative patients. Monitoring the red blood cell count (Choice D) is important for conditions like anemia but is not the priority in a client with multiple myeloma, where fluid management is crucial.

5. A nurse enters the room of a patient with bladder cancer. The patient asks the nurse about the actions of chemotherapeutic drugs. Which of the following statements by the nurse is correct?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Chemotherapy drugs are designed to target and destroy rapidly dividing cells, which include cancer cells. Cancer cells often divide more quickly than normal cells, and chemotherapeutic agents exploit this characteristic to inhibit their growth and promote cell death. While chemotherapy can also affect other rapidly dividing normal cells (such as those in the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract, and hair follicles), the primary goal is to target cancerous cells.

Similar Questions

A client hospitalized for chemotherapy has a hemoglobin of 6.1 mg/dL (61 mmol/L). The client is symptomatic but refuses blood transfusions. What medication does the nurse prepare to administer?
A client receiving chemotherapy is experiencing severe nausea and vomiting. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
A patient with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is receiving induction therapy. What is the priority nursing intervention during this phase of treatment?
The healthcare professional working with oncology clients understands that which age-related change increases the older client’s susceptibility to infection during chemotherapy?
Nurse Joy is caring for a client with an internal radiation implant. When caring for the client, the nurse should observe which of the following principles?

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