2019 ATI Pharmacology Proctored Exam Related

Review 2019 ATI Pharmacology Proctored Exam related questions and content

A patient is scheduled to receive chemotherapy drugs that will cause myelosuppression. Which action by the nurse will be most important?

  • A. Monitor for a change in temperature.
  • B. Evaluate gastrointestinal function.
  • C. Assess for evidence of cardiac compromise.
  • D. Question the patient about changes in sense of taste.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Myelosuppression, a common side effect of chemotherapy, leads to a decrease in white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. A drop in white blood cells, particularly neutrophils, increases the risk of infection. Monitoring for a change in temperature is critical because fever is often the first sign of infection in neutropenic patients. Early detection allows for prompt intervention, such as administering antibiotics, to prevent life-threatening complications. While gastrointestinal function, cardiac compromise, and changes in taste are important to assess, they are not as immediately life-threatening as an undetected infection in a myelosuppressed patient.