Nursing Elites

1. The patient is anxious about subjection to radiation therapy. Which of the following statements of the student nurse requires additional teaching?

• A. Teletherapy is radiation from an external source.
• B. Brachytherapy can be administered via oral or IV.
• C. Brachytherapy is a radiation from inside the patient's body.
• D. Chemotherapy is effective in killing all cancer cells.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the statement 'Chemotherapy is effective in killing all cancer cells' is incorrect. Chemotherapy does not kill all cancer cells and is not the same as radiation therapy. Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells, but it may not kill every single cancer cell. It is important for the student nurse to understand and communicate this distinction to the patient. Choices A, B, and C provide accurate information about teletherapy, brachytherapy, and chemotherapy, respectively, and do not require additional teaching.

2. A client with cancer is receiving palliative care. Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of palliative care?

• A. Palliative care focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
• B. Palliative care is only provided when curative treatment is no longer an option.
• C. Palliative care includes interventions to prolong life at all costs.
• D. Palliative care provides support for both the client and their family.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Palliative care focuses on managing symptoms and improving the quality of life for clients with serious illnesses like cancer. Choice B is incorrect as palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatments. Choice C is incorrect because palliative care does not aim to prolong life at all costs; it focuses on improving the quality of life. Choice D is partially correct but does not fully capture the essence of palliative care, which includes symptom management and holistic support for the client and their family.

3. The nurse is reviewing the history of a client with bladder cancer. The nurse expects to note documentation of which most common symptom of this type of cancer?

• A. Dysuria
• B. Hematuria
• C. Urgency on urination
• D. Frequency of urination

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hematuria, or blood in the urine, is the most common and distinctive symptom associated with bladder cancer. It can present as either gross hematuria (visible blood) or microscopic hematuria (detected only through urinalysis). The presence of blood in the urine often prompts further evaluation for potential underlying causes, including bladder cancer. It is crucial for healthcare providers to recognize this symptom, as early detection significantly impacts treatment outcomes.

4. Nurse Joy is caring for a client with cancer who has been receiving cisplatin (Platinol-AQ). Which laboratory result requires an intervention by the nurse?

• A. White blood cell count of 6000 cells/microL
• B. Serum potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L
• C. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 18 mg/dL
• D. Platelet count of 150,000 cells/microL

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. A BUN level of 18 mg/dL is within the normal range; however, since cisplatin is nephrotoxic, it requires close monitoring. Elevated BUN levels can indicate impaired kidney function. Choices A, B, and D are within normal ranges and do not directly relate to cisplatin therapy or require immediate intervention.

5. A nurse is caring for a patient who has a diagnosis of acute leukemia. What assessment most directly addresses the most common cause of death among patients with leukemia?

• A. Monitoring for infection
• B. Monitoring nutritional status
• C. Monitoring electrolyte levels
• D. Monitoring liver function

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is monitoring for infection. In patients with acute leukemia, the most common cause of death is usually infection or bleeding. By closely monitoring for signs of infection, such as fever, altered mental status, or elevated white blood cell count, healthcare providers can intervene promptly. Monitoring nutritional status (choice B) is important but does not directly address the most common cause of death among leukemia patients. Monitoring electrolyte levels (choice C) and liver function (choice D) are also important assessments in cancer patients; however, they are not the most direct assessment to address the leading cause of death in patients with leukemia.

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