The clinic nurse is caring for a 42-year-old male oncology patient. He complains of extreme fatigue and weakness after his first week of radiation therapy. Which response by the nurse would best reassure this patient?
- A. These symptoms usually result from radiation therapy; however, we will continue to monitor your laboratory and x-ray studies
- B. These symptoms are part of your disease and are an unfortunately inevitable part of living with cancer
- C. Try not to be concerned about these symptoms. Every patient feels this way after having radiation therapy
- D. Even though it is uncomfortable, this is a good sign. It means that only the cancer cells are dying
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Radiation zaps energy fatigue and weakness are par for the course, tied to inflammation and repair in treated tissues. Saying this, plus promising lab and imaging checks, reassures him it's expected, not a red flag, and keeps him in the loop. Blaming cancer alone dodges the treatment link, unsettling him. Dismissing it as universal or a good sign' feels flippant normal cells die too. Nurses in oncology lean on honesty and vigilance, easing fears while tracking for worse issues like anemia or infection.
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An oncology patient has just returned from the postanesthesia care unit after an open hemicolectomy. This patient's plan of nursing care should prioritize which of the following?
- A. Assess the patient hourly for signs of compartment syndrome
- B. Assess the patient's fine motor skills once per shift
- C. Assess the patient's wound for dehiscence every 4 hours
- D. Maintain the patient's head of bed at 45 degrees or more at all times
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Post-hemicolectomy, wound dehiscence splitting open is a killer risk, tied to infection or poor healing, needing checks every 4 hours. Compartment syndrome's a fracture thing, not gut surgery. Fine motor's irrelevant here neuro's not the issue. High head-of-bed helps breathing but isn't universal post-op. Nurses in oncology prioritize this, catching leaks or redness early, critical after cancer gut surgery.
In the treatment of COPD:
- A. Inhaled long-acting β₂ agonists are a first-line treatment for breathlessness.
- B. Most patients require maintenance use of oral corticosteroids.
- C. The dosage of oral theophylline needs to be reduced in patients commenced on erythromycin.
- D. Long-term oxygen therapy is indicated in a stable patient with a Paâ‚“â‚‚ of 8.5 kPa.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: COPD management focuses on symptom relief and preventing exacerbations. Inhaled long-acting β₂ agonists are indeed used for breathlessness but are not always first-line; short-acting bronchodilators often precede them. Maintenance oral corticosteroids are not standard due to significant side effects; inhaled corticosteroids are preferred. Theophylline, a bronchodilator, has its metabolism inhibited by erythromycin (a CYP3A4 inhibitor), increasing plasma levels and toxicity risk, necessitating dose reduction. Long-term oxygen therapy is indicated for severe hypoxemia (Paₓ₂ < 7.3 kPa or 7.3-8 kPa with complications), not at 8.5 kPa, which is relatively normal. Non-invasive ventilation is reserved for acute exacerbations, not first-line treatment. The interaction between theophylline and erythromycin is a critical pharmacological consideration in COPD management, making it the standout correct statement.
A patient who is scheduled for a breast biopsy asks the nurse the difference between a benign tumor and a malignant tumor. Which answer by the nurse is correct?
- A. Benign tumors do not cause damage to other tissues.
- B. Benign tumors are likely to recur in the same location.
- C. Malignant tumors may spread to other tissues or organs.
- D. Malignant cells reproduce more rapidly than normal cells.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Malignant tumors metastasize spreading to distant sites via lymph or blood unlike benign ones, which stay put. That's the key split. Benign tumors can still mess up nearby tissues by pressing on them (e.g., a benign meningioma squeezing brain), so A's off. B's wrong benign tumors rarely recur if fully removed; malignancy's more prone to that. D's a myth malignant cells don't always divide faster; some, like chronic leukemia, creep along. Nurses in oncology nail this down for patients facing biopsies, like this breast case, where fear of spread drives the question. Explaining metastasis clarifies why malignant's scarier it's not just growth, it's invasion, a game-changer for prognosis and treatment.
A 63 years old woman who is known to have hypertension for 15 years presented to her family doctor with shortness of breath and ankle swelling. An echocardiogram confirmed compromised left ventricular function. Her blood pressure is 150/90 mmHg. She is currently on frusemide and Aspirin. What is the MOST appropriate medication to add?
- A. Aldosterone antagonists
- B. Calcium channel blockers
- C. Beta blockers
- D. Angiotensin converting enzyme - inhibitors
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Heart failure with LV dysfunction ACE inhibitors cut mortality, ease load, atop frusemide's fluid flush and aspirin's clot block. Aldosterone blockers add later; calcium blockers don't help heart; beta blockers need stability first; ARBs sub if ACE flops. Nurses push this chronic heart saver, proven to stretch life.
Which of the following condition has low risk of progression to liver cirrhosis:
- A. Hepatic steatosis
- B. Hepatic steatohepatitis
- C. Hepatic steatohepatitis with fibrosis
- D. Chronic hepatitis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Steatosis fat sits, low cirrhosis odds; steatohepatitis, fibrosis, chronic, booze burn scar. Nurses mark this chronic liver lite.
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