The community health nurse is instructing a group of young female clients about breast self-examination. The nurse should instruct the clients to perform the examination at which time?
- A. At the onset of menstruation
- B. Every month during ovulation
- C. Weekly at the same time of day
- D. 1 week after menstruation begins
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The optimal time for performing a breast self-examination (BSE) is about one week after menstruation begins, as this is when the breasts are least likely to be swollen, tender, or affected by hormonal changes. Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can cause temporary changes in breast tissue, such as swelling, lumpiness, or tenderness, which may make it more difficult to detect any unusual lumps or changes. Conducting the examination during this period ensures that the breasts are in their natural state, making it easier to notice any abnormalities.
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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.
Mina, who is suspected of an ovarian tumor is scheduled for a pelvic ultrasound. The nurse provides which preprocedure instruction to the client?
- A. Eat a light breakfast only
- B. Maintain an NPO status before the procedure
- C. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes for the procedure
- D. Drink six to eight glasses of water without voiding before the test
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A pelvic ultrasound requires the client to have a full bladder because the bladder acts as a window through which pelvic organs, such as the uterus and ovaries, can be visualized more clearly. The full bladder pushes the intestines out of the way and provides a better acoustic pathway for the ultrasound waves. Without this, the pelvic organs might be obscured, and the images would be less accurate.
A client is admitted to the hospital with a suspected diagnosis of Hodgkin¢â‚¬â„¢s disease. Which assessment finding would the nurse expect to note specifically in the client?
- A. Fatigue
- B. Weakness
- C. Weight gain
- D. Enlarged lymph nodes
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hodgkin's disease (Hodgkin's lymphoma) is a type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, particularly affecting the lymph nodes. A hallmark sign of Hodgkin's disease is the painless enlargement of lymph nodes, often in the neck, armpit, or groin. These enlarged lymph nodes are typically firm and rubbery to the touch. This is one of the most distinctive and common early signs that healthcare providers look for when diagnosing the disease.
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: Fatigue and weakness are common side effects of radiation therapy, often due to the body's response to radiation damage and the energy required to repair both cancerous and healthy cells affected by the treatment. Reassuring the patient that these symptoms are expected while also emphasizing ongoing monitoring (through lab and x-ray studies) provides both comfort and a sense of proactive care. It ensures the patient that their symptoms are being addressed in a safe and medically appropriate way.
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.
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