Nokea
Nurse Joy is caring for a client with an internal radiation implant. When caring for the client, the nurse should observe which of the following principles?
- A. Limit the time with the client to 1 hour per shift
- B. Do not allow pregnant women into the client's room
- C. Remove the dosimeter badge when entering the client's room
- D. Individuals younger than 16 years old may be allowed to go in the room as long as they are 6 feet away from the client
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Clients with internal radiation implants (also known as brachytherapy) emit a small amount of radiation, which can pose a risk to others. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of radiation because it can affect both the mother and the developing fetus. Radiation exposure can lead to birth defects, miscarriage, or other developmental issues, so pregnant women should avoid any exposure by not entering the client's room.
You may also like to solve these questions
A client is receiving rituximab and asks how it works. What response by the nurse is best?
- A. It causes rapid lysis of the cancer cell membranes.
- B. It destroys the enzymes needed to create cancer cells.
- C. It prevents the start of cell division in the cancer cells.
- D. It sensitizes certain cancer cells to chemotherapy.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody that targets CD20, a protein found on the surface of certain B-cells, including some cancerous B-cells, such as in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Rituximab works by binding to the CD20 protein, which leads to the destruction of the cancerous B-cells through various mechanisms, including preventing the initiation of cell division. By blocking the division process, rituximab helps slow the growth and proliferation of cancer cells, allowing the immune system and additional treatments to clear them more effectively.
Nurse Lisa is assessing a client who has just completed radiation therapy to the neck area. Which of the following findings is most concerning?
- A. Erythema in the treated area
- B. Difficulty swallowing
- C. Dry, peeling skin
- D. Hoarseness
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) following radiation therapy to the neck area is a significant concern because it can indicate serious complications such as esophageal stricture, inflammation, or damage to the surrounding tissues, including the esophagus. This can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, or aspiration, all of which require prompt intervention. Radiation therapy can cause irritation and scarring in the esophageal and throat tissues, which may progressively worsen if not treated. Therefore, dysphagia should be addressed immediately to prevent further complications.
A patient diagnosed with polycythemia vera presents to the clinic for routine bloodwork. What should the nurse monitor for in this patient as a priority?
- A. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels
- B. Platelet count
- C. White blood cell count
- D. Blood pressure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In polycythemia vera, there is an overproduction of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, which leads to increased blood viscosity and a high risk for thrombosis (blood clot formation). Monitoring the platelet count is a priority because elevated platelet levels contribute significantly to the risk of developing blood clots, which can result in life-threatening complications such as strokes, heart attacks, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Therefore, regular monitoring of the platelet count is essential to assess the patient's risk for thrombosis and to guide treatment decisions, such as phlebotomy or medication adjustments to lower platelet levels.
Nurse Casey is preparing to administer chemotherapy to a client with leukemia. The nurse wears gloves and a gown to administer the medication and to prevent exposure to the agent by which of the following routes?
- A. By ingestion
- B. By skin contact
- C. By absorption
- D. By inhalation
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Chemotherapeutic agents can be hazardous to healthcare workers if they are exposed to the drugs during preparation or administration. One of the primary risks is inhalation, where small particles or aerosols of the drug can become airborne and be inhaled, potentially causing harm to the nurse. Protective gear such as gloves and a gown, as well as masks or respirators in some cases, helps prevent this type of exposure.
A nurse is caring for a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) who is at risk for anemia. What is the most appropriate intervention to address this risk?
- A. Administering iron supplements
- B. Administering blood transfusions
- C. Providing a high-iron diet
- D. Administering erythropoietin
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), the bone marrow does not produce enough healthy blood cells, leading to conditions such as anemia. Administering erythropoietin is an effective intervention to manage anemia in MDS patients because it stimulates the production of red blood cells. This can help improve the patient's hemoglobin levels, reducing symptoms such as fatigue and weakness associated with anemia. Erythropoietin is commonly used in MDS to enhance red blood cell production and reduce the need for frequent blood transfusions.