Nursing Elites

1. The nurse knows that all of the following are risk factors for breast cancer except:

• A. Family history
• B. Nulliparity
• C. Chest xray
• D. Multiple sex partners

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Multiple sex partners are not a recognized risk factor for breast cancer. Breast cancer is primarily influenced by hormonal, genetic, and environmental factors, not sexual activity or the number of sexual partners. Established risk factors for breast cancer include family history, hormonal factors such as early menarche, late menopause, and nulliparity (having no children), as well as certain environmental exposures.

2. The hospice nurse is caring for a patient with cancer in her home. The nurse has explained to the patient and the family that the patient is at risk for hypercalcemia and has educated them on the signs and symptoms of this health problem. What else should the nurse teach this patient and family to do to reduce the patient’s risk of hypercalcemia?

• A. Stool softeners are contraindicated.
• B. Laxatives should be taken daily.
• C. Consume 2 to 4 L of fluid daily.
• D. Restrict calcium intake.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The nurse should encourage the patient to consume 2 to 4 liters of fluid daily to reduce the risk of hypercalcemia.

3. A nurse is planning the care of a patient who has been admitted to the medical unit with a diagnosis of multiple myeloma. In the patients care plan, the nurse has identified a diagnosis of Risk for Injury. What pathophysiologic effect of multiple myeloma most contributes to this risk?

• A. Labyrinthitis
• B. Left ventricular hypertrophy
• C. Decreased bone density
• D. Hypercoagulation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In multiple myeloma, the malignant proliferation of plasma cells within the bone marrow leads to the secretion of osteoclast-activating factors, which increase the breakdown of bone tissue (osteolysis). This results in decreased bone density, osteoporosis, and osteolytic lesions, making bones fragile and more prone to pathologic fractures. Patients with multiple myeloma are at high risk for fractures even with minimal trauma due to the weakened bone structure, which is why Risk for Injury is a key diagnosis.

4. A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who is receiving the drug imatinib (Gleevec). What should the nurse monitor in this patient to assess for side effects of this therapy?

• A. Cardiac function
• B. Renal function
• C. Liver function
• D. Pulmonary function

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cardiac function. Imatinib can cause fluid retention and heart failure, so cardiac function should be closely monitored. Renal function (choice B) is not typically affected by imatinib. Liver function (choice C) is not the primary concern with this medication. Pulmonary function (choice D) is not directly impacted by imatinib therapy.

5. A home health nurse is caring for a patient with multiple myeloma. Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize when addressing the patients severe bone pain?

• A. Implementing distraction techniques
• B. Educating the patient about the effective use of hot and cold packs
• C. Teaching the patient to use NSAIDs effectively
• D. Helping the patient manage the opioid analgesic regimen

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Multiple myeloma causes severe bone pain due to the proliferation of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow, leading to osteolytic lesions and bone destruction. Opioid analgesics are often required to manage this level of pain effectively, especially in cases where the pain is severe and chronic. The nurse's priority should be helping the patient manage their opioid regimen, ensuring they understand proper dosing, side effects, and safe use of the medication. Opioids are generally necessary in such cases because they provide stronger pain relief compared to other types of analgesics, such as NSAIDs or non-opioid medications.

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