Nokea
The nurse is caring for a client with lymphangitis of the right leg who is receiving treatment with a broad-spectrum antibiotic. The nurse is giving a bath and observes the right leg is larger than it was 2 hours ago, and the client feels hot. What is the first action by the nurse?
- A. Place the leg below the level of the heart.
- B. Notify the physician.
- C. Place cool compresses on the extremity.
- D. Begin performing passive range of motion exercises.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse notifies the physician if the affected area appears to enlarge, additional lymph nodes become involved, or body temperature remains elevated. In severe cases with persistent swelling, the nurse teaches the client how to apply an elastic sleeve or stocking. The leg should be elevated to reduce the edema. A warm compress may be applied to promote comfort and enhance circulation. Passive range of motion would be contraindicated at this time.
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The nurse is providing instruction on the use of compression garments for the client with lymphedema. What should be included in the instructions? Select all that apply.
- A. Purchase two compression garments.
- B. Change the garment in the morning and in the evening.
- C. Limit the time the garment is not worn to 30 to 60 minutes.
- D. Replace a compression garment every month.
- E. Place the garment in the dryer after washing
Correct Answer: A,B,C
Rationale: When instructing the client on use of the compression garment, purchase two compression garments so that one can be worn while the other is washed and dried. Change the garment in the morning and again in the evening because the garment becomes stretched after 12 hours of being worn. Limit the time that the garment is not worn to no more than 30 to 60 minutes to prevent re accumulation of tissue fluid and stretched skin. The garment should be replaced every 4 to 6 months, not every month. The garment should be air dried, not placed in the dryer.
An adolescent client diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis asks the nurse if it is possible to keep getting the disease in the future. What is the best response by the nurse?
- A. After having the disease, the virus dissipates and is gone forever.'
- B. Once you get the virus, it will infect you when your immune system is compromised.'
- C. One episode produces immunity, but the virus remains for a lifetime.'
- D. Once you have the symptoms of the virus, it will go away within a week and there will be no further episodes.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: One episode of infectious mononucleosis produces subsequent immunity; however, the virus remains in the body for the person's lifetime. The virus does not dissipate and go away. If a client has an incidence of infection, the client is immune from further infections of Epstein-Barr virus. The symptoms do not generally go away for 2 to 6 weeks.
The nurse is caring for a client with Hodgkin's disease who has developed anemia. What would the nurse expect to be prescribed for this client?
- A. Lower doses of radiation
- B. Transfusions
- C. A break in chemotherapy
- D. Increased rest and fluid
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Transfusions are prescribed to control anemia. If resistance to treatment develops, autologous bone marrow or peripheral stem cells are harvested, followed by high doses of chemotherapy that destroy the bone marrow. A transplant is performed after separating the normal stem cells from the malignant cells in the harvested specimen. Lower doses of radiation, breaks in chemotherapy, and increased rest and fluid are not considered part of the treatment regimen for anemia.
A young client has just been diagnosed with lymphoma. The client asks the nurse what a lymphoma is. What would be the nurse's best answer?
- A. It is a group of cancers that affect the body.
- B. It is a group of cancers connected to the hematopoietic system.
- C. It is a group of cancers that affect the lymphatic system.
- D. It is a group of cancers connected to the cardiovascular system.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The term lymphoma applies to a group of cancers that affect the lymphatic system. The correct option is more specific than the option of 'a group of cancers that affect the body.' Lymphomas are not related to the hematopoietic or cardiovascular systems.
An adult client has developed lymphedema postmastectomy. What is the common method used to promote lymphatic drainage and prevent edema in all clients with lymphedema?
- A. Reduce the intake of fluids.
- B. Avoid exercising the affected part.
- C. Decrease the intake of sodium and calcium.
- D. Elevate the affected part of the body.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Treatment usually is symptomatic. In the early stages, the client elevates the affected part to promote lymphatic drainage. Exercising the affected part in the client helps in promoting the lymphatic circulation and maintaining the functional use of the limb. Reducing the sodium and calcium intake or fluids does not promote lymphatic drainage or prevent edema.