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. The nurse is assessing the perineal wound in a client who has returned from the operating room following an abdominal perineal resection and notes serosanguineous drainage from the wound. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?

• A. Clamp the Penrose drain.
• B. Change the dressing as prescribed.
• C. Notify the healthcare provider (HCP).
• D. Remove and replace the perineal packing.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the appropriate nursing intervention for serosanguineous drainage from the wound is to change the dressing as prescribed. This helps in maintaining wound cleanliness, preventing infection, and promoting proper wound healing. Clamping the Penrose drain (Choice A) is not indicated as the drainage is from the wound itself, not the drain. Notifying the healthcare provider (Choice C) may be necessary if there are signs of infection or other concerning issues, but changing the dressing should be done first. Removing and replacing the perineal packing (Choice D) is not the priority in this situation unless specifically prescribed by the healthcare provider after assessing the wound.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. A client with a history of prostate cancer is in the clinic and reports new onset of severe low back pain. What action by the nurse is most important?

• A. Assess the client’s gait and balance.
• B. Ask the client about any changes in urinary symptoms.
• C. Document the report thoroughly.
• D. Inquire about the client’s recent activities.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action by the nurse is to assess the client’s gait and balance. Severe low back pain in a client with a history of prostate cancer may indicate spinal cord compression, a serious complication. Assessing gait and balance can help determine if there is any spinal cord involvement, which requires immediate medical attention. Asking about changes in urinary symptoms (choice B) is important to assess for possible urinary obstruction, but assessing gait and balance takes precedence due to the risk of spinal cord compression. Documenting the report thoroughly (choice C) is essential but not the most immediate action needed. Inquiring about recent activities (choice D) is not as critical as assessing for spinal cord involvement.

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