Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is reviewing the medication record for a client receiving chemotherapy and notes that the client is receiving epoetin alfa (Epogen). The nurse determines that this medication has been prescribed to:

• A. Increase white blood cell production
• B. Treat anemia
• C. Reduce pain
• D. Prevent infection

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Epoetin alfa (Epogen) is a synthetic form of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. Chemotherapy often leads to anemia due to its effects on rapidly dividing cells, including those in the bone marrow responsible for red blood cell production. By administering epoetin alfa, the healthcare provider aims to increase the red blood cell count and improve hemoglobin levels, thereby alleviating symptoms associated with anemia, such as fatigue and weakness.

2. When educating a patient with multiple myeloma who is being discharged home, what should the nurse emphasize regarding the management of this condition?

• A. Increasing fluid intake
• B. Avoiding sunlight exposure
• C. Monitoring for signs of infection
• D. Managing pain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Monitoring for signs of infection. Patients with multiple myeloma have a compromised immune system, making them more susceptible to infections. Emphasizing the importance of monitoring for signs of infection helps in early detection and prompt treatment. Increasing fluid intake (choice A) is essential for many health conditions but is not the priority in managing multiple myeloma. Avoiding sunlight exposure (choice B) may be relevant for certain skin conditions or medications but is not a key aspect of multiple myeloma management. Managing pain (choice D) is important, but in the context of multiple myeloma, monitoring for signs of infection takes precedence due to the increased risk of infections in these patients.

3. 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.

4. A nurse is teaching a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) about potential complications. Which complication should the nurse emphasize?

• A. Infection
• B. Hemorrhage
• C. Fatigue
• D. Splenomegaly

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Infection. Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are at a significant risk of infection due to their compromised immune system. Emphasizing the importance of infection prevention and prompt treatment is crucial in the care of these patients. Choice B, Hemorrhage, is less common in CLL compared to other types of leukemia. Choice C, Fatigue, is a common symptom but not a complication that poses immediate risks. Choice D, Splenomegaly, is a common finding in CLL but not the most critical complication to emphasize regarding patient education.

5. The public health nurse is presenting a health-promotion class to a group at a local community center. Which intervention most directly addresses the leading cause of cancer deaths in North America?

• A. Monthly self-breast exams
• B. Smoking cessation
• C. Annual colonoscopies
• D. Monthly testicular exams

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In North America, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among both men and women, and the primary risk factor for lung cancer is smoking. Therefore, promoting smoking cessation is a critical public health intervention that directly addresses this significant health issue. By helping individuals quit smoking, healthcare providers can significantly reduce the incidence of lung cancer and associated deaths, making this intervention a priority in cancer prevention efforts.

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