An oncology nurse is caring for a patient who has developed erythema following radiation therapy. What should the nurse instruct the patient to do?
- A. Periodically apply ice to the area.
- B. Keep the area cleanly shaven.
- C. Apply petroleum jelly to the affected area.
- D. Avoid using soap on the treatment area.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. When a patient develops erythema following radiation therapy, it is essential to avoid further irritation and potential infection. Using soap on the affected area can exacerbate the condition. Applying ice (choice A) may provide temporary relief for discomfort but does not address the underlying issue. Keeping the area cleanly shaven (choice B) is not necessary and may increase the risk of skin irritation. Applying petroleum jelly (choice C) can trap heat and worsen the erythema, so it is not recommended.
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A patient with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is receiving treatment. What is the most important assessment for the nurse to make in this patient?
- A. Skin integrity
- B. Nutritional status
- C. Respiratory function
- D. Cognitive function
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Respiratory function. In a patient with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), monitoring respiratory function is crucial due to the potential for complications such as pleural effusion or pneumonia. Assessing skin integrity (choice A) is important but not as critical as monitoring respiratory function in this case. Nutritional status (choice B) and cognitive function (choice D) are also important aspects of care but do not take precedence over assessing respiratory function in a patient with NHL undergoing treatment.
Which of the following terms is another name for Billroth I?
- A. Gastroduodenostomy
- B. Gastrojejunostomy
- C. Gastroileostomy
- D. Gastrostomy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Gastroduodenostomy. Billroth I procedure involves the removal of a part of the stomach (usually the distal portion) and anastomosis of the remaining stomach to the duodenum. This procedure is known as Gastroduodenostomy. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they refer to different surgical procedures involving connections with the jejunum, ileum, and creating an opening in the stomach, respectively, not the specific procedure described as Billroth I.
A nurse works with clients who have alopecia from chemotherapy. What action by the nurse takes priority?
- A. Helping clients adjust to their appearance.
- B. Reassuring clients that this change is temporary.
- C. Referring clients to a reputable wig shop.
- D. Teaching measures to prevent scalp injury.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Teaching measures to prevent scalp injury. Alopecia makes the scalp more vulnerable to injury, so educating clients on protective measures is crucial. Choices A and B focus on emotional support and reassurance, which are important but secondary to physical safety. Referring clients to a wig shop (choice C) addresses appearance but does not directly address the physical risk associated with scalp vulnerability.
A patient diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia has just been admitted to the oncology unit. When writing this patient's care plan, what potential complication should the nurse address?
- A. Pancreatitis
- B. Hemorrhage
- C. Arteritis
- D. Liver dysfunction
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hemorrhage. Patients with acute myelogenous leukemia are at high risk of hemorrhage due to low platelet count and abnormal clotting factors caused by bone marrow suppression. Pancreatitis (choice A) is not a common complication of acute myelogenous leukemia. Arteritis (choice C) refers to inflammation of arteries and is not a typical complication of this type of leukemia. Liver dysfunction (choice D) is not a primary concern in the immediate care plan for a patient with acute myelogenous leukemia.
A 62-year-old woman diagnosed with breast cancer is scheduled for a partial mastectomy. The oncology nurse explained that the surgeon will want to take tissue samples to ensure the disease has not spread to adjacent axillary lymph nodes. The patient has asked if she will have her lymph nodes dissected, like her mother did several years ago. What alternative to lymph node dissection will this patient most likely undergo?
- A. Lymphadenectomy
- B. Needle biopsy
- C. Open biopsy
- D. Sentinel node biopsy
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a minimally invasive alternative to more extensive lymph node dissection. This procedure involves identifying and removing the first lymph node(s) to which a tumor drains, known as the sentinel node(s), to determine if cancer has spread beyond the primary site. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because lymphadenectomy refers to the surgical removal of lymph nodes, needle biopsy involves sampling tissue with a needle for analysis, and open biopsy refers to the surgical removal of a sample of tissue for examination, none of which specifically serve as an alternative to lymph node dissection in this context.