A client is receiving chemotherapy through a peripheral IV line. What action by the nurse is most important?
- A. Assessing the IV site and blood return every hour.
- B. Educating the client on side effects.
- C. Monitoring the client for nausea.
- D. Providing warm packs for comfort.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Chemotherapy drugs are often vesicants, meaning they can cause severe tissue damage if they leak (extravasate) outside of the vein. When chemotherapy is administered through a peripheral IV line, it is crucial for the nurse to frequently assess the IV site for signs of complications such as redness, swelling, or pain, which could indicate extravasation. Checking for blood return ensures the IV catheter is still in the vein and functioning properly. Preventing tissue damage from chemotherapy extravasation is a top priority, and frequent monitoring helps ensure the infusion is proceeding safely.
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An oncology patient has just returned from the post-anesthesia care unit after an open hemicolectomy. This patient¢â‚¬â„¢s plan of nursing care should prioritize which of the following?
- A. Assess the patient hourly for signs of compartment syndrome.
- B. Assess the patient¢â‚¬â„¢s fine motor skills once per shift.
- C. Assess the patient¢â‚¬â„¢s wound for dehiscence every 4 hours.
- D. Maintain the patient¢â‚¬â„¢s head of bed at 45 degrees or more at all times.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: After an open hemicolectomy (surgical removal of part of the colon), monitoring the surgical wound for signs of dehiscence (wound reopening) is a critical nursing priority. Dehiscence is a serious postoperative complication that can occur if the surgical site does not heal properly. Regular wound assessments every 4 hours allow the nurse to identify early signs of complications, such as redness, swelling, increased drainage, or separation of the wound edges. Early detection is key to preventing further complications, such as infection or evisceration (protrusion of abdominal organs through the wound).
A home health nurse is caring for a patient with multiple myeloma. Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize when addressing the patients severe bone pain?
- A. Implementing distraction techniques
- B. Educating the patient about the effective use of hot and cold packs
- C. Teaching the patient to use NSAIDs effectively
- D. Helping the patient manage the opioid analgesic regimen
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Multiple myeloma causes severe bone pain due to the proliferation of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow, leading to osteolytic lesions and bone destruction. Opioid analgesics are often required to manage this level of pain effectively, especially in cases where the pain is severe and chronic. The nurse's priority should be helping the patient manage their opioid regimen, ensuring they understand proper dosing, side effects, and safe use of the medication. Opioids are generally necessary in such cases because they provide stronger pain relief compared to other types of analgesics, such as NSAIDs or non-opioid medications.
The community health nurse is instructing a group of young female clients about breast self-examination. The nurse should instruct the clients to perform the examination at which time?
- A. At the onset of menstruation
- B. Every month during ovulation
- C. Weekly at the same time of day
- D. 1 week after menstruation begins
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The optimal time for performing a breast self-examination (BSE) is about one week after menstruation begins, as this is when the breasts are least likely to be swollen, tender, or affected by hormonal changes. Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can cause temporary changes in breast tissue, such as swelling, lumpiness, or tenderness, which may make it more difficult to detect any unusual lumps or changes. Conducting the examination during this period ensures that the breasts are in their natural state, making it easier to notice any abnormalities.
Nurse Mandy is teaching a client about the side effects of radiation therapy. Which of the following should the nurse emphasize?
- A. Radiation therapy is painless.
- B. You may experience hair loss.
- C. Fatigue is a common side effect.
- D. You may experience nausea and vomiting.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Fatigue is one of the most frequent and profound side effects of radiation therapy. It often occurs because radiation can damage both cancerous and healthy cells, and the body requires energy to repair the damage caused by the treatment. Fatigue from radiation can be cumulative, meaning it may worsen as treatments progress, and can significantly affect the client's daily activities, requiring the nurse to educate the client on energy conservation techniques.
A nurse is planning the care of a patient who has been diagnosed with essential thrombocythemia (ET). What nursing diagnosis should the nurse prioritize when choosing interventions?
- A. Risk for Ineffective Tissue Perfusion
- B. Risk for Imbalanced Fluid Volume
- C. Risk for Ineffective Breathing Pattern
- D. Risk for Ineffective Thermoregulation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is a myeloproliferative disorder characterized by an abnormally high platelet count, which increases the risk of hypercoagulation and thrombosis (blood clot formation). These clots can impair blood flow to tissues, leading to ineffective tissue perfusion. Thrombotic events, such as strokes, deep vein thrombosis, or myocardial infarctions, are common complications of ET, making Risk for Ineffective Tissue Perfusion the most critical nursing diagnosis to prioritize. The goal of nursing interventions will be to prevent clot formation and ensure adequate blood flow to tissues.