The clinical nurse educator is presenting health promotion education to a patient who will be treated for non-Hodgkin lymphoma on an outpatient basis. The nurse should recommend which of the following actions?
- A. Avoiding direct sun exposure in excess of 15 minutes daily
- B. Avoiding grapefruit juice and fresh grapefruit
- C. Avoiding highly crowded public places
- D. Using an electric shaver rather than a razor
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) often experience a compromised immune system due to both the disease itself and the effects of treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, which cause myelosuppression (decreased production of blood cells, including white blood cells). This puts them at significant risk for infections. Avoiding crowded places is a crucial preventive measure, as it reduces the patient's exposure to pathogens that could lead to infections, which can be particularly severe due to their weakened immune system.
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The nurse is caring for a patient with an advanced stage of breast cancer and the patient has recently learned that her cancer has metastasized. The nurse enters the room and finds the patient struggling to breathe and the nurse¢â‚¬â„¢s rapid assessment reveals that the patient¢â‚¬â„¢s jugular veins are distended. The nurse should suspect the development of what oncologic emergency?
- A. Increased intracranial pressure
- B. Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS)
- C. Spinal cord compression
- D. Metastatic tumor of the neck
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) occurs when the superior vena cava, the large vein responsible for returning blood from the upper body to the heart, becomes obstructed or compressed, often due to a tumor, such as metastasized breast cancer. SVCS results in impaired venous drainage, leading to symptoms like distended jugular veins, facial swelling, difficulty breathing (dyspnea), and upper body edema. It is a medical emergency that requires prompt intervention to restore blood flow and alleviate symptoms.
A patient who is undergoing consolidation therapy for the treatment of leukemia has been experiencing debilitating fatigue. How can the nurse best meet this patients needs for physical activity?
- A. Teach the patient about the risks of immobility and the benefits of exercise.
- B. Assist the patient to a chair during awake times, as tolerated.
- C. Collaborate with the physical therapist to arrange for stair exercises.
- D. Teach the patient to perform deep breathing and coughing exercises.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: For patients undergoing consolidation therapy for leukemia, severe fatigue is a common side effect of treatment due to factors such as anemia, decreased nutritional intake, and the body's response to chemotherapy. While exercise is beneficial, the patient's fatigue may limit their ability to engage in strenuous activity. Assisting the patient to sit in a chair during awake times is a practical way to encourage some physical activity while respecting their fatigue levels. This intervention helps prevent complications associated with immobility, such as muscle atrophy and venous stasis, without overwhelming the patient. It allows the patient to engage in light activity that is manageable and promotes recovery.
A nurse is caring for a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) who is receiving erythropoietin therapy. What should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of this treatment?
- A. Platelet count
- B. Hemoglobin level
- C. White blood cell count
- D. Oxygen saturation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Erythropoietin therapy is used to stimulate the production of red blood cells in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a disorder characterized by ineffective blood cell production, including red blood cells. The primary goal of erythropoietin therapy is to increase red blood cell count, improving the patient's oxygen-carrying capacity and reducing symptoms of anemia, such as fatigue and weakness. Monitoring hemoglobin levels is the best way to evaluate the effectiveness of this therapy because it directly reflects the patient's red blood cell count and the success of erythropoiesis (red blood cell production).
A nurse is planning the care of a patient who has been diagnosed with essential thrombocythemia (ET). What nursing diagnosis should the nurse prioritize when choosing interventions?
- A. Risk for Ineffective Tissue Perfusion
- B. Risk for Imbalanced Fluid Volume
- C. Risk for Ineffective Breathing Pattern
- D. Risk for Ineffective Thermoregulation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is a myeloproliferative disorder characterized by an abnormally high platelet count, which increases the risk of hypercoagulation and thrombosis (blood clot formation). These clots can impair blood flow to tissues, leading to ineffective tissue perfusion. Thrombotic events, such as strokes, deep vein thrombosis, or myocardial infarctions, are common complications of ET, making Risk for Ineffective Tissue Perfusion the most critical nursing diagnosis to prioritize. The goal of nursing interventions will be to prevent clot formation and ensure adequate blood flow to tissues.
A nurse is planning the care of a patient who has been admitted to the medical unit with a diagnosis of multiple myeloma. In the patients care plan, the nurse has identified a diagnosis of Risk for Injury. What pathophysiologic effect of multiple myeloma most contributes to this risk?
- A. Labyrinthitis
- B. Left ventricular hypertrophy
- C. Decreased bone density
- D. Hypercoagulation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In multiple myeloma, the malignant proliferation of plasma cells within the bone marrow leads to the secretion of osteoclast-activating factors, which increase the breakdown of bone tissue (osteolysis). This results in decreased bone density, osteoporosis, and osteolytic lesions, making bones fragile and more prone to pathologic fractures. Patients with multiple myeloma are at high risk for fractures even with minimal trauma due to the weakened bone structure, which is why Risk for Injury is a key diagnosis.
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