Nokea
A client is receiving interleukins along with chemotherapy. What assessment by the nurse takes priority?
- A. Blood pressure
- B. Lung assessment
- C. Oral mucous membranes
- D. Skin integrity
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Interleukins can cause capillary leak syndrome and fluid shifting, leading to intravascular volume depletion. Although all assessments are important in caring for clients with cancer, blood pressure and other assessments of fluid status take priority.
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A client's family members are concerned that telling the client about a new finding of cancer will cause extreme emotional distress. They approach the nurse and ask if this can be kept from the client. What actions by the nurse are most appropriate? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Ask the family to describe their concerns more fully.
- B. Consult with a social worker, chaplain, or ethics committee.
- C. Explain the client's right to know and ask for their assistance.
- D. Have the unit manager take over the care of this client and family.
- E. Tell the family that this secret will not be kept from the client.
Correct Answer: A,B,C
Rationale: The client's right of autonomy means that the client must be fully informed as to their diagnosis and treatment options. The nurse cannot ethically keep this information from the client. The nurse can ask the family to explain their concerns more fully so everyone understands the concerns. A social worker, chaplain, or ethics committee can become involved to assist the nurse, client, and family. Explaining the client's right to know while seeking family assistance fosters collaboration.
Four clients are receiving tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Which of these four clients should the nurse assess first?
- A. Client with dry, itchy, peeling skin
- B. Client with a serum calcium of 9.2 mg/dL
- C. Client with a serum potassium of 2.8 mg/dL
- D. Client with a weight gain of 6.6 pounds (1.1 kg) in 1 day
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: TKIs can cause electrolyte imbalances. A potassium level of 2.8 mg/dL is very low, so the nurse should assess this client first. Dry, itchy, peeling skin can be a problem in clients receiving biologic response modifiers, and the nurse should assess that client next because of the potential for discomfort and infection. The calcium level is normal, and the weight gain, while concerning, is less critical than the low potassium level.
A client tells the oncology nurse about an upcoming vacation to be back to celebrate completing radiation treatments for cancer. What response by the nurse is most appropriate?
- A. Are you ensuring the radiation site is protected?
- B. Do not expose the radiation area to direct sunlight.
- C. Have a wonderful time and enjoy your vacation!
- D. Remember you should not drink alcohol for a year.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The radiation site is extremely sensitive to sunlight after radiation therapy has been completed. The nurse should inform the client to avoid sun exposure to this area. This advice continues for 1 year after treatment has been completed. The other statements are not appropriate.
A client has mucositis. What actions by the nurse will improve the client's nutrition? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Assist with rinsing the mouth with saline frequently.
- B. Encourage the client to eat room-temperature foods.
- C. Give the client hot liquids to hold in the mouth.
- D. Provide local anesthetic medications to swish and spit.
- E. Remind the client to brush gently after each meal.
Correct Answer: A,B,D,E
Rationale: Mucositis can interfere with nutrition. The nurse can help by assisting with rinsing the mouth frequently with saline, encouraging the client to eat cool or room-temperature foods, providing swish-and-spit anesthetics, and reminding the client to keep the mouth clean by brushing gently after each meal. Hot liquids should be avoided as they can be painful for the client.
A client is receiving chemotherapy through a peripheral IV line. What action by the nurse is most important?
- A. Assessing the IV site 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: Intravenous chemotherapy can cause local tissue destruction if it extravasates into the surrounding tissues. Peripheral IV lines are more prone to this than centrally placed lines. The most important intervention is prevention, so the nurse should check hourly to ensure the IV site is patent, or more frequently depending on facility policy. Education and monitoring for side effects such as nausea are important for all clients receiving chemotherapy. Warm packs may be helpful for comfort, but if the client reports the IV site is painful, this is not the most appropriate action.