Nursing Elites

1. 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?

• A. Decreased deep tendon reflexes
• B. Severe headache
• C. Back pain
• D. Loss of bladder control

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.

2. An oncology nurse is caring for a patient who has developed erythema following radiation therapy. What should the nurse instruct the patient to do?

• A. Periodically apply ice to the area.
• B. Keep the area cleanly shaven.
• C. Apply petroleum jelly to the affected area.
• D. Avoid using soap on the treatment area.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. When a patient develops erythema following radiation therapy, it is essential to avoid further irritation and potential infection. Using soap on the affected area can exacerbate the condition. Applying ice (choice A) may provide temporary relief for discomfort but does not address the underlying issue. Keeping the area cleanly shaven (choice B) is not necessary and may increase the risk of skin irritation. Applying petroleum jelly (choice C) can trap heat and worsen the erythema, so it is not recommended.

3. The nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Which would the nurse expect to note specifically in this disorder?

• A. Increased calcium level
• B. Increased white blood cells
• C. Decreased blood urea nitrogen level
• D. Decreased number of plasma cells in the bone marrow

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In multiple myeloma, the nurse would expect to note an increased calcium level in the laboratory results. This elevation is due to bone destruction caused by the disease, releasing calcium into the bloodstream. Increased white blood cells (Choice B) are not typically associated with multiple myeloma. Additionally, a decreased blood urea nitrogen level (Choice C) is not a common finding in this disorder. Multiple myeloma is characterized by the proliferation of abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow, leading to an increased number of plasma cells, not a decreased number (Choice D). Therefore, the correct answer is an increased calcium level.

4. After undergoing mastectomy, a patient demonstrates understanding of the nurse's instructions by doing which of the following?

• A. Dangle arms at the bedside
• B. Lie down on the affected chest
• C. Drink plenty of fluids immediately after surgery
• D. Elevate the affected arm

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to elevate the affected arm. Elevating the affected arm helps prevent lymphedema after a mastectomy. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. 'Dangling arms at the bedside' does not provide any benefit after a mastectomy. 'Lying down on the affected chest' can cause discomfort and possible complications. 'Drinking plenty of fluids immediately after surgery' is not related to preventing lymphedema post-mastectomy.

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

• A. Eat a light breakfast only
• B. Maintain an NPO status before the procedure
• C. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes for the procedure
• D. Drink six to eight glasses of water without voiding before the test

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.

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