An oncology patient has begun to experience skin reactions to radiation therapy, prompting the nurse to make the diagnosis Impaired Skin Integrity: erythematous reaction to radiation therapy. What intervention best addresses this nursing diagnosis?
- A. Apply an ice pack or heating pad PRN to relieve pain and pruritis
- B. Avoid skin contact with water whenever possible
- C. Apply phototherapy PRN
- D. Avoid rubbing or scratching the affected area
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Radiation erythema's tender rubbing or scratching tears it open, risking infection. Ice or heat burns it worse; water's fine for gentle cleaning, not avoidance. Phototherapy's for jaundice, not this. Nurses push hands off' to protect radiated skin, a staple in oncology to heal without added damage.
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Which of the following options applies to the accumulation of macrophages in adipose tissue?
- A. This accumulation has been shown in mice but not in humans
- B. This accumulation is negatively correlated with the size of the adipose cells
- C. This accumulation cannot be influenced by weight reduction
- D. None of the options applies
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Macrophages swarm fat in humans big cells pull them, weight loss shrinks the crowd, not mouse-only or stuck. Nurses see this, a chronic inflammation truth.
A 7-year-old child with osteosarcoma is being treated with chemotherapy. Which medication would the nurse expect the physician to order most commonly as a prophylaxis against Pneumocystis jirovecii?
- A. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
- B. Ketoconazole
- C. Filgastim
- D. Prednisone
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Osteosarcoma chemotherapy compromises the immune system, increasing susceptibility to opportunistic infections like Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP), a serious risk in immunocompromised children. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is the most common prophylactic antibiotic for PCP, effectively preventing this lung infection by targeting its causative organism. Ketoconazole treats fungal infections but not PCP, which is caused by a fungus-like organism requiring specific therapy. Filgrastim stimulates neutrophil production to combat neutropenia, not PCP directly. Prednisone, a corticosteroid, suppresses immunity and reduces tumor-related edema but doesn't prevent infections and may increase risk. The nurse anticipates TMP-SMX due to its established role in pediatric oncology protocols, ensuring protection against a preventable, potentially fatal complication during chemotherapy.
According to Johnson and Chang (2014), people living with chronic illness are more likely than the general population to:
- A. Have significantly reduced activity and subsequent loss of independence
- B. Be required to see their doctor more regularly
- C. Experience periods of hospitalisation as a consequence of acute flare-ups of their underlying chronic disease
- D. Stay home and reduce their activity and social interactions
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Chronic illness curbs activity arthritis, COPD slash mobility, stealing independence, a standout hit over frequent doctor visits, hospital stays from flares, or self-imposed isolation. Those ripple too, but reduced function's the core burden, reshaping daily life. Nurses prioritize this, boosting support, a chronic truth where physical loss leads.
Which action should the nurse take when caring for a patient who is receiving chemotherapy and complains of problems with concentration?
- A. Teach the patient to rest the brain by avoiding new activities.
- B. Teach that 'chemo-brain' is a short-term effect of chemotherapy.
- C. Report patient symptoms immediately to the health care provider.
- D. Suggest use of a daily planner and encourage adequate rest and sleep.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Chemo-brain foggy focus is common; planners and rest help manage, not cure. Resting fully stalls life; it's not always short-term can linger. No emergency it's expected. Nurses in oncology offer this tools and sleep ease the mental muck, supporting function.
The challenges faced in insulin therapy includes the following EXCEPT:
- A. Needle phobia
- B. Competence - Diabetes numeracy
- C. Dexterity
- D. All burden
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Insulin hurdles fear, math, shaky hands, life jolts; all burden' isn't a thing, just a mash-up. Nurses tackle these chronic snags, not vague catch-alls.