The nurse should plan to implement which intervention in the care of a client experiencing neutropenia as a result of chemotherapy?
- A. Restrict all visitors.
- B. Restrict fluid intake.
- C. Teach the client and family about the need for hand hygiene.
- D. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter to prevent skin breakdown.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In clients experiencing neutropenia, particularly due to chemotherapy, the immune system is significantly compromised, increasing the risk of infections. Hand hygiene is one of the most effective methods for preventing the spread of pathogens that can lead to infections. Teaching both the client and their family about the importance of frequent and proper handwashing helps create a safer environment and reduces the risk of infections, which can be critical in neutropenic patients.
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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.
A client hospitalized for chemotherapy has a hemoglobin of 6.1 mg/dL (61 mmol/L). The client is symptomatic but refuses blood transfusions. What medication does the nurse prepare to administer?
- A. Epoetin alfa.
- B. Filgrastim.
- C. Mesna.
- D. Dexrazoxane.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
An oncology nurse is providing health education for a patient who has recently been diagnosed with leukemia. What should the nurse explain about commonalities between all of the different subtypes of leukemia?
- A. The different leukemias all involve unregulated proliferation of white blood cells.
- B. The different leukemias all have unregulated proliferation of red blood cells and decreased bone marrow function.
- C. The different leukemias all result in a decrease in the production of white blood cells.
- D. The different leukemias all involve the development of cancer in the lymphatic system.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
Nurse Kent is teaching a male client to perform monthly testicular self-examinations. Which of the following points would be appropriate to make?
- A. Testicular cancer is a highly curable type of cancer
- B. Testicular cancer is very difficult to diagnose.
- C. Testicular cancer is the number one cause of cancer deaths in males.
- D. Testicular cancer is more common in older men.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Testicular cancer is indeed highly treatable and curable, particularly when detected early through regular self-examinations. The survival rates for testicular cancer are very high, with many cases being treatable even if the cancer has spread, thanks to effective treatment options such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Educating clients on the importance of early detection through monthly testicular self-examinations can empower them to recognize any changes early, increasing the likelihood of successful treatment.
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.