When working with clients experiencing alopecia, what is the best method for a nurse to help them manage the psychosocial impact of this issue?
- A. Assisting the client in pre-planning for this event.
- B. Reassuring the client that alopecia is temporary.
- C. Teaching the client ways to protect the scalp.
- D. Telling the client that there are worse side effects.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Assisting the client in pre-planning for alopecia is the best method to help them manage the psychosocial impact of the issue. By helping clients anticipate and prepare for the challenges associated with alopecia, they can cope better with the psychological impact. Reassuring the client that alopecia is temporary (choice B) may provide false hope as some types of alopecia are permanent. Teaching ways to protect the scalp (choice C) is important but not the most effective method for managing the psychosocial impact. Telling the client that there are worse side effects (choice D) is dismissive of the client's feelings and not helpful in addressing the psychosocial impact of alopecia.
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The healthcare professional working with oncology clients understands that which age-related change increases the older client's susceptibility to infection during chemotherapy?
- A. Decreased immune function.
- B. Diminished nutritional stores.
- C. Existing cognitive deficits.
- D. Poor physical reserves.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decreased immune function. Aging leads to a decline in immune function, which increases susceptibility to infections during chemotherapy. This decline is due to changes in the immune system that occur with age. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while they may impact overall health in older clients, they do not directly increase susceptibility to infections during chemotherapy like decreased immune function does.
An oncology nurse is caring for a patient who has developed erythema following radiation therapy. What should the nurse instruct the patient to do?
- A. Periodically apply ice to the area.
- B. Keep the area cleanly shaven.
- C. Apply petroleum jelly to the affected area.
- D. Avoid using soap on the treatment area.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. When a patient develops erythema following radiation therapy, it is essential to avoid further irritation and potential infection. Using soap on the affected area can exacerbate the condition. Applying ice (choice A) may provide temporary relief for discomfort but does not address the underlying issue. Keeping the area cleanly shaven (choice B) is not necessary and may increase the risk of skin irritation. Applying petroleum jelly (choice C) can trap heat and worsen the erythema, so it is not recommended.
Nurse Ben is reviewing the laboratory results of a client undergoing chemotherapy. Which of the following values would require immediate intervention?
- A. Platelet count of 150,000/mm3
- B. White blood cell count of 6,000/mm3
- C. Hemoglobin level of 14 g/dL
- D. Absolute neutrophil count of 500/mm3
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: An absolute neutrophil count of 500/mm3 indicates severe neutropenia, putting the client at high risk for infection. Neutrophils are crucial in fighting off infections; a low count increases susceptibility to infections. Platelet count, white blood cell count, and hemoglobin levels are within normal ranges and do not require immediate intervention in this scenario.
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.
A nurse is caring for a patient whose diagnosis of multiple myeloma is being treated with bortezomib. The nurse should assess for what adverse effect of this treatment?
- A. Stomatitis
- B. Nephropathy
- C. Cognitive changes
- D. Peripheral neuropathy
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Peripheral neuropathy. Bortezomib, used in the treatment of multiple myeloma, is known to cause peripheral neuropathy as a significant adverse effect. Stomatitis (Choice A), which is inflammation of the mouth and lips, is not a common adverse effect of bortezomib. Nephropathy (Choice B), referring to kidney disease, is not a typical adverse effect of bortezomib. Cognitive changes (Choice C) are not a commonly reported adverse effect of bortezomib treatment.