Nokea
An oncology nurse is caring for a patient who has developed erythema following radiation therapy. What should the nurse instruct the patient to do?
- A. Periodically apply ice to the area
- B. Keep the area cleanly shaven
- C. Apply petroleum jelly to the affected area
- D. Avoid using soap on the treatment area
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Radiation erythema red, raw skin needs gentle care to dodge worsening. Soap dries and irritates, stripping fragile skin and upping infection risk, so skipping it's key. Ice or heat can burn or blister radiated tissue, already thin and sensitive. Shaving scrapes it raw; petroleum jelly traps moisture, breeding bacteria. Nurses teach this to protect the site, pushing mild cleansers (if needed) and air exposure, standard in oncology to heal radiation burns without sparking new problems.
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A 10-year-old boy is being prepared for a bone marrow transplant. The nurse can determine that the child understands this treatment when he says:
- A. I'll be much better after this blood goes to my bones.
- B. I won't feel too good until my body makes healthy cells.
- C. This will help all of the medicine they give me to work better.
- D. You won't have to wear a mask and gown after my transplant.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A bone marrow transplant (BMT) replaces diseased marrow (e.g., in leukemia) with healthy stem cells, but recovery is slow new, functional blood cells take weeks to months to regenerate, during which the child may feel unwell due to immunosuppression and engraftment challenges. The statement I won't feel too good until my body makes healthy cells' shows the boy grasps this delay, reflecting realistic understanding critical for coping and consent in pediatric care. Feeling better immediately after infusion is inaccurate initial post-BMT phases often worsen symptoms. Enhancing medicine efficacy isn't the goal; BMT is the therapy. Masks and gowns persist post-transplant due to infection risk until immunity recovers. The nurse's validation of this insight ensures the child is prepared, aligning with oncology's focus on patient education and emotional support during complex treatments.
The home health nurse is caring for a patient who has been receiving interferon therapy for treatment of cancer. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further assessment?
- A. I have frequent muscle aches and pains.'
- B. I rarely have the energy to get out of bed.'
- C. I experience chills after I inject the interferon.'
- D. I take acetaminophen (Tylenol) every 4 hours.'
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Interferon's flu-like hell aches , chills , and Tylenol use are par but crushing fatigue flags dose-limiting toxicity, hinting at overdose or depression. Nurses in oncology dig deeper here rarely out of bed' could mean more than side effects, needing med tweaks or psych consult, critical for home care balance.
Which of the following is the surgical treatment of choice for end-stage heart failure?
- A. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT)
- B. Percutaneous angiogram
- C. Genetic counseling
- D. Ventricular assist devices (VADs)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: End-stage heart failure, when drugs and pacing fail, leans on ventricular assist devices mechanical pumps aiding circulation, a bridge to transplant or destination therapy. CRT syncs ventricles, less invasive, but VADs tackle severe pump collapse. Angiograms diagnose, not treat; genetic counseling's irrelevant. Nurses prep for VADs, managing post-op risks, the go-to surgical fix in this terminal cardiac scenario.
Which of the following assessment findings is a priority during blood transfusion?
- A. Chest pain
- B. Fatigue
- C. Joint pain
- D. Headache
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Blood transfusions carry risks like acute reactions chest pain screams potential hemolytic or allergic response, a life-threatening emergency demanding immediate halt and intervention, prioritizing airway and circulation per ABCs. Fatigue is common, reflecting anemia's baseline, not an acute flag. Joint pain or headaches might hint at milder issues transfusion overload or tension but lack chest pain's urgency. Swift recognition of chest pain prevents escalation to shock or respiratory failure, a nurse's critical duty in transfusion safety, outranking less specific symptoms in this high-stakes scenario.
The nurse obtains information about a hospitalized patient who is receiving chemotherapy for colorectal cancer. Which information about the patient alerts the nurse to discuss a possible change in cancer therapy with the health care provider?
- A. Frequent loose stools
- B. Nausea and vomiting
- C. Elevated white blood count (WBC)
- D. Increased carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rising CEA screams colorectal cancer's dodging chemo tumor marker jumps mean progression, trumping GI woes (A, B) or high WBC (C maybe infection). Nurses in oncology push this CEA's a red flag, signaling therapy's failing, needing a switch.