Nursing Elites

1. The nurse should plan to implement which intervention in the care of a client experiencing neutropenia as a result of chemotherapy?

• 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, particularly due to chemotherapy, the immune system is significantly compromised, increasing the risk of infections. Hand hygiene is one of the most effective methods for preventing the spread of pathogens that can lead to infections. Teaching both the client and their family about the importance of frequent and proper handwashing helps create a safer environment and reduces the risk of infections, which can be critical in neutropenic patients.

2. A patient’s most recent diagnostic imaging has revealed that his lung cancer has metastasized to his bones and liver. What is the most likely mechanism by which the patient’s cancer cells spread?

• A. Hematologic spread
• B. Lymphatic circulation
• C. Invasion
• D. Angiogenesis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the case of lung cancer that has metastasized to the bones and liver, lymphatic circulation is a key mechanism by which cancer cells spread from the primary tumor site to distant organs. Cancer cells can invade nearby lymphatic vessels and travel through the lymphatic system, eventually reaching lymph nodes and spreading to other tissues and organs. This route is significant in the metastasis of many types of cancer, including lung cancer.

3. A clinic nurse is working with a patient who has a long-standing diagnosis of polycythemia vera. How can the nurse best gauge the course of the patient's disease?

• A. Document the color of the patient's palms and face during each visit.
• B. Follow the patient's erythrocyte sedimentation rate over time.
• C. Document the patient's response to erythropoietin injections.
• D. Follow the trends of the patient's hematocrit.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The course of polycythemia vera can be best ascertained by monitoring the patient's hematocrit, which should remain below 45%. Hematocrit levels are a key indicator in assessing the progression of the disease. Choices A, B, and C are not the most appropriate methods for gauging the course of polycythemia vera. Monitoring the color of the patient's palms and face, or their response to erythropoietin injections, may not provide an accurate reflection of the disease's progression. Similarly, while erythrocyte sedimentation rate can be affected in polycythemia vera, it is not the primary marker for monitoring the disease's course.

4. The nurse is admitting an oncology patient to the unit prior to surgery. The nurse reads in the electronic health record that the patient has just finished radiation therapy. With knowledge of the consequent health risks, the nurse should prioritize assessments related to what health problem?

• A. Cognitive deficits
• B. Impaired wound healing
• C. Cardiac tamponade
• D. Tumor lysis syndrome

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Impaired wound healing. Patients who have undergone radiation therapy are at risk for impaired wound healing due to tissue damage. While cognitive deficits, cardiac tamponade, and tumor lysis syndrome can be concerns for oncology patients, the immediate priority following radiation therapy is assessing for impaired wound healing to prevent complications post-surgery.

5. The healthcare professional working with oncology clients understands that which age-related change increases the older client’s susceptibility to infection during chemotherapy?

• A. Decreased immune function.
• B. Diminished nutritional stores.
• C. Existing cognitive deficits.
• D. Poor physical reserves.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decreased immune function. Aging leads to a decline in immune function, which increases susceptibility to infections during chemotherapy. This decline is due to changes in the immune system that occur with age. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while they may impact overall health in older clients, they do not directly increase susceptibility to infections during chemotherapy like decreased immune function does.

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