Nokea
A patient undergoing chemotherapy to treat breast cancer has an abscess near the rectal area. Which laboratory result is likely associated with this finding?
- A. White blood cells 2400/mm3
- B. Red blood cells 5.2 million/mm3
- C. Platelet count 165,000/mm3
- D. Hematocrit 47%
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A total white blood cell count of less than 4000/mm3 is low and is considered to be leukopenic. This places the patient at risk for a life-threatening infection. The other laboratory values are within normal limits.
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Which statement is appropriate for a nurse to tell a patient before insertion of the radioactive implant?
- A. Nurses will always be available, but they will spend only short periods of time at your bedside.'
- B. Personal cleanliness is essential, so you will be given a complete bed bath each day.'
- C. Your diet will be changed to a high-fiber diet to encourage daily bowel movements.'
- D. Your bed linens will be completely changed each day to minimize radioactive contamination.'
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Generally, it is recommended that the nurse spend short periods of time in the room of a patient with an implant. Baths and linen changes are not given daily. A low-residue diet is the norm to minimize peristalsis and bowel movements that might dislodge the implant.
The nurse knows which description is characteristic of malignant tumors?
- A. Smooth, well defined; movable when palpated
- B. Resembles parent tissue; rarely fatal
- C. Rate of growth varies; rarely contained within a capsule
- D. Remains localized; slow growth
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Malignant tumors are rarely contained within a capsule and their rate of growth varies; little resemblance to parent tissue; fatal without treatment; irregular and immobile when palpated.
What is the function of organizations like The Lost Chord Club, Reach for Recovery, and I Can Cope?
- A. Arrange for transportation to a clinic.
- B. Provide a small amount of financial support to patients.
- C. Send volunteers to speak with a person facing a lifestyle change.
- D. Arrange for reduced drug costs.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Support groups like The Lost Chord Club, Reach for Recovery, and I Can Cope are available to send volunteers to talk with persons facing lifestyle changes because of cancer.
A patient, age 63, has terminal cancer of the liver and is cared for by his wife at home. His abdominal pain has become increasingly severe, and he now says it is intense most of the time. The nurse recognizes that teaching regarding pain management has been effective based on which measure implemented by this patient?
- A. Limiting the use of opiate analgesics to prevent addiction
- B. Using analgesics only when the pain becomes more than he can tolerate
- C. Taking analgesics around the clock on a regular schedule, using additional doses for breakthrough pain
- D. Resigning himself to the fact that pain is an inevitable consequence of cancer
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Fixed dosage schedules with adequate doses for pain relief provide more constant blood levels and predictable pain relief.
The American Cancer Society recommends beginning annual mammography from ages ___ to ___
Correct Answer: 45-54
Rationale: Women between the ages of 45-54 should have annual mammography from ages 45-54, with an option to begin at age 40.