Nokea
The nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving a vesicant chemotherapeutic agent intravenously. Which of the following actions is most important?
- A. Infuse the medication over a short period of time.
- B. Stop the infusion if swelling is observed at the site.
- C. Administer the chemotherapy through small-bore catheter.
- D. Hold the medication unless a central venous line is available.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Swelling at the site may indicate extravasation, and the IV should be stopped immediately. The medication generally should be given slowly to avoid irritation of the vein. The size of the catheter is not as important as administration of vesicants into a running IV line to allow dilution of the chemotherapeutic drug. These medications can be given through peripheral lines, although central vascular access devices (CVADs) are preferred.
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After the nurse has finished teaching a patient who is scheduled to receive external beam radiation for abdominal cancer about appropriate diet, which dietary selection by the patient indicates that the teaching has been effective?
- A. Fresh fruit salad
- B. Roasted chicken
- C. Whole wheat toast
- D. Cream of potato soup
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: To minimize the diarrhea that is commonly associated with bowel radiation, the patient should avoid foods high in roughage, such as fruits and whole grains. Lactose intolerance may develop secondary to radiation, so dairy products also should be avoided.
During a routine health examination, a patient tells the nurse about a family history of colon cancer. Which of the following actions should the nurse take next?
- A. Educate the patient about the need for a colonoscopy at age 50.
- B. Teach the patient how to do home testing for fecal occult blood.
- C. Obtain more information from the patient about the family history.
- D. Schedule a sigmoidoscopy to provide baseline data about the patient.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The patient may be at increased risk for colon cancer, but the nurse's first action should be further assessment. The other actions may be appropriate, depending on the information that is obtained from the patient with further questioning.
The home health nurse is caring for a patient who has been receiving interferon therapy for treatment of cancer. Which statement by the patient may indicate a need for a change in treatment?
- A. I have frequent muscle aches and pains.
- B. I rarely have the energy to get out of bed.
- C. I experience chills after I inject the interferon.
- D. I take acetaminophen every 4 hours.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Fatigue can be a dose-limiting toxicity of biological therapies. Flulike symptoms, such as muscle aches and chills, are common adverse effects of interferon use. Patients are advised to use acetaminophen every 4 hours.
The nurse is caring for a patient with ovarian cancer who is distressed because her husband rarely visits and tells the nurse, 'He just doesn't care.' The husband indicates to the nurse that 'I never know what to say to help her.' Which of the following nursing diagnoses is most appropriate?
- A. Disabled family coping related to persistently unexpressed feelings by support person
- B. Impaired home maintenance related to insufficient support system
- C. Risk for caregiver role strain as evidenced by increase in care needs
- D. Dysfunctional family processes related to insufficient problem-solving skills
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The data indicate that this diagnosis is most appropriate because poor communication among the family members is affecting family processes. No data suggest preoccupation with an outside concern as an etiology. The data do not support impairment in home maintenance or a burden caused by caregiving responsibilities.
A patient receiving head and neck radiation has ulcerations over the oral mucosa and tongue and thick, ropey saliva. Which of the following actions should the nurse teach the patient to complete?
- A. Remove food debris from the teeth and oral mucosa with a stiff toothbrush.
- B. Use cotton-tipped applicators dipped in hydrogen peroxide to clean the teeth.
- C. Gargle and rinse the mouth several times a day with an antiseptic mouthwash.
- D. Rinse the mouth before and after each meal and at bedtime with a saline solution.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The patient should rinse the mouth with a saline solution frequently. A soft toothbrush is used for oral care. Hydrogen peroxide may damage tissues. Antiseptic mouthwashes may irritate the oral mucosa and are not recommended.