Nokea
Nurse Rose is caring for a client with cancer who has developed spinal cord compression. Which of the following symptoms would the nurse expect to find?
- A. Decreased deep tendon reflexes
- B. Severe headache
- C. Back pain
- D. Loss of bladder control
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Back pain.' Back pain is a common symptom of spinal cord compression in cancer patients. This condition can cause localized or radiating back pain due to the compression of the spinal cord or nerves. While symptoms such as decreased deep tendon reflexes, severe headache, and loss of bladder control can occur in other conditions, back pain is specifically associated with spinal cord compression in cancer patients.
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The nurse is caring for a patient who is to begin receiving external radiation for a malignant tumor of the neck. While providing patient education, what potential adverse effects should the nurse discuss with the patient?
- A. Impaired nutritional status
- B. Cognitive changes
- C. Diarrhea
- D. Alopecia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Impaired nutritional status is a potential adverse effect of radiotherapy to the head and neck due to alterations in oral mucosa and taste. While cognitive changes, diarrhea, and alopecia can be side effects of other treatments or conditions, they are not typically associated with external radiation for a malignant tumor of the neck. Therefore, the nurse should primarily focus on discussing the risk of impaired nutritional status with the patient.
A client who has been receiving radiation therapy for bladder cancer tells the nurse that it feels as if she is voiding through the vagina. The nurse interprets that the client may be experiencing which condition?
- A. Rupture of the bladder
- B. The development of a vesicovaginal fistula
- C. Extreme stress caused by the diagnosis of cancer
- D. Altered perineal sensation as a side effect of radiation therapy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. A vesicovaginal fistula is an abnormal connection between the bladder and the vagina, leading to the passage of urine through the vagina. This condition can occur due to various reasons, including radiation therapy. Choice A, rupture of the bladder, is incorrect because a rupture would present with more severe symptoms and is not consistent with the client's description. Choice C, extreme stress, is incorrect as it does not explain the physical symptom of voiding through the vagina. Choice D, altered perineal sensation, is incorrect as it does not involve a direct connection between the bladder and the vagina.
The nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Which would the nurse expect to note specifically in this disorder?
- A. Increased calcium level
- B. Increased white blood cells
- C. Decreased blood urea nitrogen level
- D. Decreased number of plasma cells in the bone marrow
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In multiple myeloma, the nurse would expect to note an increased calcium level in the laboratory results. This elevation is due to bone destruction caused by the disease, releasing calcium into the bloodstream. Increased white blood cells (Choice B) are not typically associated with multiple myeloma. Additionally, a decreased blood urea nitrogen level (Choice C) is not a common finding in this disorder. Multiple myeloma is characterized by the proliferation of abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow, leading to an increased number of plasma cells, not a decreased number (Choice D). Therefore, the correct answer is an increased calcium level.
A patient with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is receiving treatment. What is the most important assessment for the nurse to make in this patient?
- A. Skin integrity
- B. Nutritional status
- C. Respiratory function
- D. Cognitive function
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Respiratory function. In a patient with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), monitoring respiratory function is crucial due to the potential for complications such as pleural effusion or pneumonia. Assessing skin integrity (choice A) is important but not as critical as monitoring respiratory function in this case. Nutritional status (choice B) and cognitive function (choice D) are also important aspects of care but do not take precedence over assessing respiratory function in a patient with NHL undergoing treatment.
The client is assessing a client who has a new ureterostomy. Which statement by the client indicates the need for more education about urinary stoma care?
- A. I change my pouch every week.
- B. I change the appliance in the morning.
- C. I empty the urinary collection bag when it is two-thirds full.
- D. When I'm in the shower, I direct the flow of water away from my stoma.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because directing water away from the stoma while showering is incorrect. The stoma can and should be cleaned with water. Choices A, B, and C demonstrate proper stoma care practices, such as changing the pouch regularly, changing the appliance in the morning, and emptying the collection bag when it is two-thirds full, which are all appropriate actions for caring for a urinary stoma.