A client with cancer has anorexia and mucositis, and is losing weight. The client's family members continually bring favorite foods to the client and are distressed when the client won't eat them. What action by the nurse is best?
- A. Explain the pathophysiologic reasons behind the client not eating.
- B. Help the family show other ways to demonstrate love and caring.
- C. Suggest foods and liquids the client might be willing to try to eat.
- D. Tell the family the client isn't able to eat now no matter what they bring.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The best action for the nurse in this situation is to help the family show other ways to demonstrate love and caring. When a client with cancer is experiencing anorexia and mucositis, it can be challenging for them to eat even their favorite foods. By assisting the family in finding alternative ways to provide comfort and care, the nurse can help create a supportive environment for the client. Option A is not the best choice as explaining the pathophysiologic reasons may not address the emotional needs of the client and family. Option C, suggesting foods and liquids, might not be helpful if the client is unable to tolerate them due to their condition. Option D, telling the family that the client can't eat, may come across as dismissive and not supportive of the family's concerns.
You may also like to solve these questions
Which of the following management strategies is not included for a patient taking chemotherapeutic drugs?
- A. Limit exposure of pregnant visitors
- B. Protect client from infection
- C. Allow client to use makeup and wig
- D. Administer IV fluids as ordered
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Chemotherapy can lead to hair loss, and while using wigs is common, it is not a primary management strategy. The focus should be on limiting exposure to pregnant visitors to prevent harm to the fetus, protecting the client from infections due to a compromised immune system, and administering IV fluids as ordered to maintain hydration levels. Allowing the client to use makeup and wigs is not a primary concern when managing a patient taking chemotherapeutic drugs.
A client is diagnosed as having a positive reaction to the Mantoux test. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing action?
- A. Isolate the client in a private room.
- B. Administer isoniazid (INH) as prescribed.
- C. Schedule the client for a chest x-ray.
- D. Begin a 9-month course of medication therapy.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to schedule the client for a chest x-ray. A positive Mantoux test indicates exposure to TB, but it does not confirm active disease. A chest x-ray is necessary to assess the presence of active TB disease. Isolating the client in a private room (Choice A) is not necessary based solely on a positive Mantoux test result. Administering isoniazid (INH) (Choice B) or beginning a 9-month course of medication therapy (Choice D) is premature without confirming active TB through a chest x-ray.
All of the following are warning signs of cancer except:
- A. Patient palpates a bump on the side of the breast
- B. Bruises are found on the body that the client cannot explain
- C. Patient often complains of impaired digestion
- D. Patient has blood-tinged sputum
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Blood-tinged sputum is not a typical warning sign of cancer but rather a symptom that can indicate other serious conditions like respiratory issues or infections. Choices A, B, and C are common warning signs of cancer: palpable lumps or bumps, unexplained bruises, and persistent digestive issues are often associated with cancer and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional for further assessment and diagnosis.
In caring for a patient with a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) receiving induction therapy on the oncology unit, what nursing action should be prioritized in the patient's care plan?
- A. Protective isolation and vigilant use of standard precautions
- B. Provision of a high-calorie, low-texture diet and appropriate oral hygiene
- C. Including the family in planning the patient's activities of daily living
- D. Monitoring and treating the patient's pain
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Protective isolation and vigilant use of standard precautions. Induction therapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) can lead to neutropenia, significantly increasing the risk of infections. Therefore, the priority is to protect the patient from potential pathogens by implementing protective isolation measures and adhering to strict standard precautions. This action is crucial for the patient's survival. Choice B is incorrect as nutritional support and oral hygiene are important but not the priority in this situation. Choice C, involving the family in planning activities, is a valuable aspect of care but not the priority during induction therapy. Choice D, monitoring and treating pain, is essential but ensuring protection against infection takes precedence due to the high risk of neutropenia.
When educating a patient with multiple myeloma who is being discharged home, what should the nurse emphasize regarding the management of this condition?
- A. Increasing fluid intake
- B. Avoiding sunlight exposure
- C. Monitoring for signs of infection
- D. Managing pain
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Monitoring for signs of infection. Patients with multiple myeloma have a compromised immune system, making them more susceptible to infections. Emphasizing the importance of monitoring for signs of infection helps in early detection and prompt treatment. Increasing fluid intake (choice A) is essential for many health conditions but is not the priority in managing multiple myeloma. Avoiding sunlight exposure (choice B) may be relevant for certain skin conditions or medications but is not a key aspect of multiple myeloma management. Managing pain (choice D) is important, but in the context of multiple myeloma, monitoring for signs of infection takes precedence due to the increased risk of infections in these patients.