The healthcare professional working with oncology clients understands that which age-related change increases the older client's susceptibility to infection during chemotherapy?
- A. Decreased immune function.
- B. Diminished nutritional stores.
- C. Existing cognitive deficits.
- D. Poor physical reserves.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decreased immune function. Aging leads to a decline in immune function, which increases susceptibility to infections during chemotherapy. This decline is due to changes in the immune system that occur with age. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while they may impact overall health in older clients, they do not directly increase susceptibility to infections during chemotherapy like decreased immune function does.
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A nursing student is caring for a patient with acute myeloid leukemia who is preparing to undergo induction therapy. In preparing a plan of care for this patient, the student should assign the highest priority to which nursing diagnosis?
- A. Activity Intolerance
- B. Risk for Infection
- C. Acute Confusion
- D. Risk for Spiritual Distress
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Risk for Infection. Induction therapy for acute myeloid leukemia suppresses the immune system, making the patient highly susceptible to infections due to neutropenia. Preventing infections is crucial in these patients to avoid complications. Activity Intolerance (Choice A) may be a concern, but infection prevention is of higher priority. Acute Confusion (Choice C) and Risk for Spiritual Distress (Choice D) are not the immediate priorities in this situation.
A clinic patient is being treated for polycythemia vera, and the nurse is providing health education. What practice should the nurse recommend to prevent the complications of this health problem?
- A. Avoiding natural sources of vitamin K
- B. Avoiding altitudes of 1500 feet (457 meters)
- C. Performing active range of motion exercises daily
- D. Avoiding tight and restrictive clothing on the legs
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Avoiding tight and restrictive clothing on the legs. Patients with polycythemia vera are at risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), so it is essential to avoid tight and restrictive clothing that can impede circulation. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because avoiding natural sources of vitamin K, altitudes of 1500 feet, and performing active range of motion exercises are not directly related to preventing complications of polycythemia vera.
A healthcare professional is assessing a female client who is taking hormone therapy for breast cancer. What assessment finding requires the healthcare professional to notify the primary health care provider immediately?
- A. Irregular menses.
- B. Edema in the lower extremities.
- C. Ongoing breast tenderness.
- D. Red, warm, swollen calf.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. A red, warm, swollen calf may indicate a deep vein thrombosis, which is a medical emergency. This finding requires immediate notification of the primary health care provider to prevent potential complications such as pulmonary embolism. Choices A, B, and C are not indicative of life-threatening conditions and should be monitored but do not require immediate notification like a suspected deep vein thrombosis.
A patient with multiple myeloma is receiving chemotherapy and is at risk for bone fractures. What intervention should the nurse prioritize to reduce this risk?
- A. Encouraging bed rest
- B. Promoting bed rest to avoid injury
- C. Encouraging weight-bearing exercises
- D. Ensuring adequate hydration
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Promoting bed rest to avoid injury.' In patients with multiple myeloma undergoing chemotherapy, encouraging bed rest can lead to muscle weakness and bone loss, increasing the risk of fractures. Promoting bed rest to avoid injury means advising the patient on safe movement and activities to prevent fractures. Encouraging weight-bearing exercises (choice C) would be more beneficial than bed rest as it helps in maintaining bone density and strength. Ensuring adequate hydration (choice D) is essential for overall health but does not directly address the risk of bone fractures associated with multiple myeloma and chemotherapy. Choice A, 'Encouraging bed rest,' is incorrect as it may worsen the risk of fractures rather than reduce it.
An oncology nurse is caring for a patient who has developed erythema following radiation therapy. What should the nurse instruct the patient to do?
- A. Periodically apply ice to the area.
- B. Keep the area cleanly shaven.
- C. Apply petroleum jelly to the affected area.
- D. Avoid using soap on the treatment area.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. When a patient develops erythema following radiation therapy, it is essential to avoid further irritation and potential infection. Using soap on the affected area can exacerbate the condition. Applying ice (choice A) may provide temporary relief for discomfort but does not address the underlying issue. Keeping the area cleanly shaven (choice B) is not necessary and may increase the risk of skin irritation. Applying petroleum jelly (choice C) can trap heat and worsen the erythema, so it is not recommended.