Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a client with multiple myeloma and is monitoring the client for signs of hypercalcemia. Which symptom would be an early indication?

• A. Polyuria
• B. Polyphagia
• C. Polydipsia
• D. Weight loss

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In patients with multiple myeloma, hypercalcemia is a common complication due to the release of calcium from the bones as a result of osteolytic lesions. One of the early symptoms of hypercalcemia is polyuria, or increased urine output. This occurs because elevated calcium levels can lead to impaired renal function and increased renal excretion of calcium, which results in increased urine production. Early recognition of polyuria can help prompt further evaluation and management of hypercalcemia, as untreated hypercalcemia can lead to more severe complications.

2. A nurse is caring for a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) who is receiving erythropoietin therapy. What should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of this treatment?

• A. Platelet count
• B. Hemoglobin level
• C. White blood cell count
• D. Oxygen saturation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Erythropoietin therapy is used to stimulate the production of red blood cells in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a disorder characterized by ineffective blood cell production, including red blood cells. The primary goal of erythropoietin therapy is to increase red blood cell count, improving the patient's oxygen-carrying capacity and reducing symptoms of anemia, such as fatigue and weakness. Monitoring hemoglobin levels is the best way to evaluate the effectiveness of this therapy because it directly reflects the patient's red blood cell count and the success of erythropoiesis (red blood cell production).

3. A client is diagnosed with multiple myeloma and the client asks the nurse about the diagnosis. The nurse bases the response on which description of this disorder?

• A. Altered red blood cell production
• B. Altered production of lymph nodes
• C. Malignant exacerbation in the number of leukocytes
• D. Malignant proliferation of plasma cells within the bone

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that involves the malignant proliferation of plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies. In multiple myeloma, these abnormal plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow, where they interfere with the production of normal blood cells and lead to the formation of tumors in the bones. This can cause bone pain, fractures, anemia, and impaired immune function. The excessive production of abnormal antibodies can also result in kidney damage and other systemic complications.

4. An oncology patient will begin a course of chemotherapy and radiation therapy for the treatment of bone metastases. What is one means by which malignant disease processes transfer cells from one place to another?

• A. Adhering to primary tumor cells
• B. Inducing mutation of cells of another organ
• C. Phagocytizing healthy cells
• D. Invading healthy host tissues

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Invading healthy host tissues. Invasion is the process where malignant cells grow into surrounding healthy tissues, allowing the cancer to spread to other parts of the body. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Adhering to primary tumor cells does not involve the transfer of cells to other locations, inducing mutation of cells of another organ is not a mechanism of cell transfer, and phagocytizing healthy cells refers to the process of engulfing and digesting cells, which is not a method of cancer cell transfer.

5. The nurse is caring for a female client experiencing neutropenia as a result of chemotherapy and develops a plan of care for the client. The nurse plans to:

• A. Restrict all visitors
• B. Restrict fluid intake
• C. Teach the client and family about the need for hand hygiene
• D. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter to prevent skin breakdown

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In clients experiencing neutropenia due to chemotherapy, the immune system is significantly compromised, leaving the client highly susceptible to infections. Meticulous hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent infections in neutropenic patients. Teaching the client and their family the importance of frequent and proper handwashing helps reduce the transmission of harmful pathogens that could lead to severe infections in the neutropenic client. This simple but essential intervention is crucial in maintaining a safe environment.

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