A nurse is caring for a patient who has a diagnosis of acute leukemia. What assessment most directly addresses the most common cause of death among patients with leukemia?
- A. Monitoring for infection
- B. Monitoring nutritional status
- C. Monitor electrolyte levels
- D. Monitoring liver function
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In patients with acute leukemia, death typically occurs from infection or bleeding. Compromised nutrition, electrolyte imbalances, and impaired liver function are all plausible, but none is among the most common causes of death in this patient population.
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A patient diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia has just been admitted to the oncology unit. When writing this patients care plan, what potential complication should the nurse address?
- A. Pancreatitis
- B. Hemorrhage
- C. Arteritis
- D. Liver dysfunction
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pancreatitis, arteritis, and liver dysfunction are generally not complications of leukemia. However, the patient faces a high risk of hemorrhage.
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: For severe pain resulting from multiple myeloma, opioids are likely necessary. NSAIDs would likely be ineffective and are associated with significant adverse effects. Hot and cold packs as well as distraction would be insufficient for severe pain.
An oncology nurse is providing health education for a patient who has recently been diagnosed with leukemia. What should the nurse explain about commonalities between all of the different subtypes of leukemia?
- A. The different leukemias all involve unregulated proliferation of white blood cells.
- B. The different leukemias all have unregulated proliferation of red blood cells and decreased bone marrow function.
- C. The different leukemias all result in a decrease in the production of white blood cells.
- D. The different leukemias all involve the development of cancer in the lymphatic system.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Leukemia commonly involves unregulated proliferation of white blood cells. Decreased production of red blood cells is associated with anemias. Decreased production of white blood cells is associated with leukopenia. The leukemias are not characterized by their involvement with the lymphatic system.
A nurse is writing the care plan of a patient who has been diagnosed with myelofibrosis. What nursing diagnoses should the nurse address? Select all that apply.
- A. Disturbed Body Image
- B. Impaired Mobility
- C. Imbalanced Nutrition: Less than Body Requirements
- D. Acute Confusion
- E. Risk for Infection
Correct Answer: A,B,C,E
Rationale: The profound splenomegaly that accompanies myelofibrosis can impact the patients body image and mobility. As well, nutritional deficits are common and the patient is at risk for infection. Cognitive effects are less common.
A 77-year-old male is admitted to a unit with a suspected diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). When planning this patients care, the nurse should be aware of what epidemiologic fact?
- A. Early diagnosis is associated with good outcomes.
- B. Five-year survival for older adults is approximately 50%.
- C. Five-year survival for patients over 75 years old is less than 2%.
- D. Survival rates are wholly dependent on the patients pre-illness level of health.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The 5-year survival rate for patients with AML who are 50 years of age or younger is 43%; it drops to 19% for those between 50 and 64 years, and drops to 1.6% for those older than 75 years. Early diagnosis is beneficial, but is nonetheless not associated with good outcomes or high survival rates. Pre-illness health is significant, but not the most important variable.
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