The nurse is reviewing the medication record for a client receiving chemotherapy and notes that the client is receiving epoetin alfa (Epogen). The nurse determines that this medication has been prescribed to:
- A. Increase white blood cell production
- B. Treat anemia
- C. Reduce pain
- D. Prevent infection
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Epoetin alfa (Epogen) is a synthetic form of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. Chemotherapy often leads to anemia due to its effects on rapidly dividing cells, including those in the bone marrow responsible for red blood cell production. By administering epoetin alfa, the healthcare provider aims to increase the red blood cell count and improve hemoglobin levels, thereby alleviating symptoms associated with anemia, such as fatigue and weakness.
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The hospice nurse is caring for a patient with cancer in her home. The nurse has explained to the patient and the family that the patient is at risk for hypercalcemia and has educated them on the signs and symptoms of this health problem. What else should the nurse teach this patient and family to do to reduce the patient¢â‚¬â„¢s risk of hypercalcemia?
- A. Stool softeners are contraindicated.
- B. Laxatives should be taken daily.
- C. Consume 2 to 4 L of fluid daily.
- D. Restrict calcium intake.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
A patient on the oncology unit is receiving carmustine, a chemotherapy agent, and the nurse is aware that a significant side effect of this medication is thrombocytopenia. Which symptom should the nurse assess for in patients at risk for thrombocytopenia?
- A. Interrupted sleep pattern
- B. Hot flashes
- C. Epistaxis (nose bleed)
- D. Increased weight
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by a low platelet count, which increases the risk of bleeding and hemorrhage. Patients receiving chemotherapy agents like carmustine may experience thrombocytopenia as a significant side effect. Epistaxis (nosebleeds) is a common symptom associated with thrombocytopenia, as the blood vessels can become more fragile, and even minor trauma or spontaneous bleeding can occur. Therefore, assessing for signs of bleeding, including epistaxis, is crucial in patients at risk for thrombocytopenia.
Nurse Meredith is instructing a premenopausal woman about breast self-examination. The nurse should tell the client to do her self-examination:
- A. at the end of her menstrual cycle.
- B. on the same day each month.
- C. on the 1st day of the menstrual cycle.
- D. immediately after her menstrual period.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: For premenopausal women, the best time to perform a breast self-examination (BSE) is immediately after their menstrual period ends. This timing is ideal because hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can cause breast tissue to become swollen and tender, making it more difficult to detect any lumps or changes. After the menstrual period, breast tissue is usually softer and less lumpy, allowing for a more accurate assessment of any abnormalities.
A client with breast cancer is receiving doxorubicin (Adriamycin). The nurse monitors the client closely for:
- A. Pulmonary fibrosis
- B. Cardiotoxicity
- C. Hepatotoxicity
- D. Nephrotoxicity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) is an anthracycline chemotherapy agent commonly used to treat various cancers, including breast cancer. One of the significant side effects associated with doxorubicin is cardiotoxicity, which can lead to serious complications such as heart failure and arrhythmias. The risk of cardiotoxicity is dose-dependent, meaning that higher cumulative doses increase the likelihood of cardiac damage. Therefore, it is essential for nurses to monitor cardiac function closely through assessments such as echocardiograms or monitoring for signs and symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and edema.
A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with essential thrombocythemia (ET) who is at risk for thromboembolic events. What nursing intervention is most appropriate for this patient?
- A. Encouraging regular physical activity
- B. Administering anticoagulant therapy
- C. Monitoring for signs of bleeding
- D. Monitoring for signs of infection
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
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