The nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Which would the nurse expect to note specifically in this disorder?
- A. Increased calcium level
- B. Increased white blood cells
- C. Decreased blood urea nitrogen level
- D. Decreased number of plasma cells in the bone marrow
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In multiple myeloma, the nurse would expect to note an increased calcium level in the laboratory results. This elevation is due to bone destruction caused by the disease, releasing calcium into the bloodstream. Increased white blood cells (Choice B) are not typically associated with multiple myeloma. Additionally, a decreased blood urea nitrogen level (Choice C) is not a common finding in this disorder. Multiple myeloma is characterized by the proliferation of abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow, leading to an increased number of plasma cells, not a decreased number (Choice D). Therefore, the correct answer is an increased calcium level.
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A nurse works with clients who have alopecia from chemotherapy. What action by the nurse takes priority?
- A. Helping clients adjust to their appearance.
- B. Reassuring clients that this change is temporary.
- C. Referring clients to a reputable wig shop.
- D. Teaching measures to prevent scalp injury.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Teaching measures to prevent scalp injury. Alopecia makes the scalp more vulnerable to injury, so educating clients on protective measures is crucial. Choices A and B focus on emotional support and reassurance, which are important but secondary to physical safety. Referring clients to a wig shop (choice C) addresses appearance but does not directly address the physical risk associated with scalp vulnerability.
A nurse is providing education to a patient with polycythemia vera about self-care strategies. What advice should the nurse include?
- A. Avoid hot showers
- B. Drink plenty of fluids
- C. Avoid tight and restrictive clothing
- D. Avoid prolonged sitting
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct advice for a patient with polycythemia vera is to drink plenty of fluids. This helps in reducing the risk of thrombosis by keeping the blood less viscous. Avoiding hot showers (Choice A) is not directly related to managing polycythemia vera. While avoiding tight and restrictive clothing (Choice C) can help improve circulation, it is not the most crucial advice for these patients. Avoiding prolonged sitting (Choice D) is important to prevent blood clots but is not as critical as staying well-hydrated.
A 54-year-old has a diagnosis of breast cancer and is tearfully discussing her diagnosis with the nurse. The patient states, 'They tell me my cancer is malignant, while my coworker's breast tumor was benign. I just don't understand at all.' When preparing a response to this patient, the nurse should be cognizant of what characteristic that distinguishes malignant cells from benign cells of the same tissue type?
- A. Slow rate of mitosis of cancer cells
- B. Different proteins in the cell membrane
- C. Differing size of the cells
- D. Different molecular structure in the cells
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Malignant cells have different proteins in their membranes, such as tumor-specific antigens, which distinguish them from benign cells. Choice A is incorrect as cancer cells typically have a rapid and uncontrolled rate of mitosis. Choice C is incorrect as the size of cells alone does not distinguish between malignant and benign cells. Choice D is incorrect as the molecular structure is not the primary characteristic that distinguishes between malignant and benign cells.
When preparing for the patient's subsequent care after completing the full course of treatment for acute lymphocytic leukemia without a significant response, what action should the nurse take?
- A. Arrange a meeting between the patient's family and the hospital chaplain.
- B. Assess the factors underlying the patient's failure to adhere to the treatment regimen.
- C. Encourage the patient to vigorously pursue complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
- D. Identify the patient's specific wishes around end-of-life care.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In cases where a patient does not respond appreciably to therapy, it is crucial to identify and respect the patient's choices regarding treatment, including preferences for end-of-life care. Option A is incorrect because it focuses on spiritual support rather than the patient's care preferences. Option B is incorrect as it assumes non-adherence to treatment without evidence. Option C is incorrect as it suggests an alternative treatment approach without considering the patient's wishes for end-of-life care.
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.