Nursing Elites

1. The clinic nurse is caring for a 42-year-old male oncology patient. He complains of extreme fatigue and weakness after his first week of radiation therapy. Which response by the nurse would best reassure this patient?

• A. These symptoms usually result from radiation therapy; however, we will continue to monitor your laboratory and x-ray studies.
• B. These symptoms are part of your disease and are an unfortunately inevitable part of living with cancer.
• C. Try not to be concerned about these symptoms. Every patient feels this way after having radiation therapy.
• D. Even though it is uncomfortable, this is a good sign. It means that only the cancer cells are dying.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Fatigue and weakness are common side effects of radiation therapy, often due to the body’s response to radiation damage and the energy required to repair both cancerous and healthy cells affected by the treatment. Reassuring the patient that these symptoms are expected while also emphasizing ongoing monitoring (through lab and x-ray studies) provides both comfort and a sense of proactive care. It ensures the patient that their symptoms are being addressed in a safe and medically appropriate way.

2. 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?

• A. Pain at the incision site
• B. Arm edema on the operative side
• C. Sanguineous drainage in the Jackson-Pratt drain
• D. Complaints of decreased sensation near the operative site

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.

3. The nurse manager is teaching the nursing staff about signs and symptoms related to hypercalcemia in a client with metastatic prostate cancer and tells the staff that which is a late sign of this oncological emergency?

• A. Headache
• B. Dysphagia
• C. Constipation
• D. Electrocardiographic changes

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Electrocardiographic changes. In clients with metastatic prostate cancer, hypercalcemia can lead to various signs and symptoms. Electrocardiographic changes are considered a late sign of hypercalcemia, indicating severe electrolyte imbalance. Headache (choice A), dysphagia (choice B), and constipation (choice C) are earlier signs of hypercalcemia and may precede the development of more severe symptoms like electrocardiographic changes.

4. A patient with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is receiving monoclonal antibody therapy. What is the priority assessment during the infusion of this medication?

• A. Vital signs
• B. Skin reactions
• C. Respiratory status
• D. Renal function

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Vital signs. Monitoring vital signs is crucial during the infusion of monoclonal antibody therapy as there is a risk of infusion reactions such as fevers, chills, hypotension, and tachycardia. Assessing vital signs allows for early detection of any adverse reactions, enabling prompt intervention. Skin reactions (choice B), respiratory status (choice C), and renal function (choice D) are important assessments in general patient care but are not the priority during the infusion of monoclonal antibody therapy.

5. A client with cancer is admitted to a short-term rehabilitation facility. The nurse prepares to administer the client’s oral chemotherapy medications. What action by the nurse is most appropriate?

• A. Crush the medications if the client cannot swallow them.
• B. Give one medication at a time with a full glass of water.
• C. No special precautions are needed for these medications.
• D. Wear personal protective equipment when handling the medications.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Oral chemotherapy requires the same precautions as IV chemotherapy; personal protective equipment is necessary.

Similar Questions