Nokea
The nurse is caring for a patient who is to begin receiving external radiation for a malignant tumor of the neck. While providing patient education, what potential adverse effects should the nurse discuss with the patient?
- A. Impaired nutritional status
- B. Cognitive changes
- C. Diarrhea
- D. Alopecia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Impaired nutritional status is a potential adverse effect of radiotherapy to the head and neck due to alterations in oral mucosa and taste. While cognitive changes, diarrhea, and alopecia can be side effects of other treatments or conditions, they are not typically associated with external radiation for a malignant tumor of the neck. Therefore, the nurse should primarily focus on discussing the risk of impaired nutritional status with the patient.
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A 62-year-old woman diagnosed with breast cancer is scheduled for a partial mastectomy. The oncology nurse explained that the surgeon will want to take tissue samples to ensure the disease has not spread to adjacent axillary lymph nodes. The patient has asked if she will have her lymph nodes dissected, like her mother did several years ago. What alternative to lymph node dissection will this patient most likely undergo?
- A. Lymphadenectomy
- B. Needle biopsy
- C. Open biopsy
- D. Sentinel node biopsy
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a minimally invasive alternative to more extensive lymph node dissection. This procedure involves identifying and removing the first lymph node(s) to which a tumor drains, known as the sentinel node(s), to determine if cancer has spread beyond the primary site. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because lymphadenectomy refers to the surgical removal of lymph nodes, needle biopsy involves sampling tissue with a needle for analysis, and open biopsy refers to the surgical removal of a sample of tissue for examination, none of which specifically serve as an alternative to lymph node dissection in this context.
The nurse is teaching a client about the risk factors associated with colorectal cancer. The nurse determines that further teaching is necessary related to colorectal cancer if the client identifies which item as an associated risk factor?
- A. Age younger than 50 years
- B. History of colorectal polyps
- C. Family history of colorectal cancer
- D. Chronic inflammatory bowel disease
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Age younger than 50 years. Colorectal cancer is more commonly diagnosed in individuals over the age of 50, so being younger than 50 is not typically considered a significant risk factor. Choice B, history of colorectal polyps, is a known risk factor as polyps can develop into cancer over time. Choice C, family history of colorectal cancer, is a well-established risk factor due to genetic predisposition. Choice D, chronic inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Therefore, the incorrect choice is A as age younger than 50 years is not a common risk factor for colorectal cancer.
A patient has been found to have an indolent neoplasm. The nurse should recognize what implication of this condition?
- A. The patient faces a significant risk of malignancy.
- B. The patient has a myeloid form of leukemia.
- C. The patient has a lymphocytic form of leukemia.
- D. The patient has a major risk factor for hemophilia.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'The patient faces a significant risk of malignancy.' Indolent neoplasms are characterized by their slow growth and relatively low malignancy potential; however, they do have the capability to progress to malignancy over time. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they make assumptions about specific types of leukemia and hemophilia, which are not necessarily related to the presence of an indolent neoplasm.
When reviewing the safe administration of antineoplastic agents, what action should the nurse emphasize?
- A. Adjust the dose based on the patient's present symptoms.
- B. Wash hands with an alcohol-based cleanser before and after administration.
- C. Use gloves and a lab coat when preparing and administering the medication.
- D. Dispose of the antineoplastic wastes in the hazardous waste receptacle.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to dispose of the antineoplastic wastes in the hazardous waste receptacle. Antineoplastic agents are hazardous materials, and proper disposal is crucial to prevent harm to individuals and the environment. Option A is incorrect because adjusting the dose based on the patient's present symptoms may not be safe without proper authorization. Option B is incorrect as hand hygiene should be performed both before and after administering medications. Option C is incorrect as gloves and a lab coat should be worn primarily during handling and administration, not just during preparation.
A patient with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is receiving information from the oncology nurse. The patient asks the nurse why she should stop drinking and smoking and stay out of the sun. What would be the nurse's best response?
- A. Everyone should do these things because they are health promotion activities that apply to everyone.
- B. You don't want to develop a second cancer, do you?
- C. You need to do this just to be on the safe side.
- D. It's important to reduce other factors that increase the risk of second cancers.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should encourage patients to reduce other factors that increase the risk of developing second cancers, such as the use of tobacco and alcohol and exposure to environmental carcinogens and excessive sunlight. Choice A is too general and does not address the specific concerns of a cancer patient. Choice B uses fear tactics, which may not be the most effective approach. Choice C is vague and does not provide a clear rationale for the behavior change, unlike Choice D which specifically links the behaviors to reducing the risk of second cancers.