Your patient with relapsed high-risk neuroblastoma returns to your care after travelling to an outside institution for [131]I-MIBG therapy. In the weeks following [131]I-MIBG therapy, what adverse events directly attributable to this therapy will the patient most likely encounter?
- A. Myelosuppression requiring growth factor and blood product support
- B. Severe mucositis
- C. Hemorrhagic cystitis
- D. Symptomatic hypothyroidism
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Myelosuppression requiring growth factor and blood product support.
Rationale:
1. [131]I-MIBG therapy targets neuroblastoma cells but can also affect bone marrow, leading to myelosuppression.
2. Myelosuppression can result in low blood cell counts, necessitating growth factors and blood product support.
3. Severe mucositis (B) is not a common adverse event of [131]I-MIBG therapy.
4. Hemorrhagic cystitis (C) is more commonly associated with certain chemotherapies, not [131]I-MIBG.
5. Symptomatic hypothyroidism (D) is a potential long-term side effect, not an immediate consequence following [131]I-MIBG therapy.
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While taking a client history, which factor(s) that place the client at risk for a hematologic health problem will the nurse document? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Family history of military excellence
- B. Diet low in iron and protein
- C. Excessive alcohol consumption
- D. Family history of allergies
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Excessive alcohol consumption. Excessive alcohol intake can lead to hematologic health problems such as anemia and abnormal blood clotting. Alcohol interferes with the production of red blood cells and impairs the function of platelets. Therefore, documenting excessive alcohol consumption is crucial in assessing a client's risk for hematologic issues.
Explanation for why other choices are incorrect:
A: Family history of military excellence - This choice is irrelevant to hematologic health problems and does not pose a risk factor.
B: Diet low in iron and protein - While a poor diet can contribute to hematologic issues, this specific choice does not directly indicate a risk factor for hematologic problems.
D: Family history of allergies - Allergies are not directly related to hematologic health problems, so this choice is not relevant in this context.
The nurse notes that a patient's gaping wound is developing a blood clot. Which body substance is responsible for this clot formation?
- A. Plasma
- B. Platelets
- C. Red blood cells
- D. White blood cells
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Platelets are responsible for clot formation in the body. When a wound occurs, platelets are activated and adhere to the site, forming a plug to stop bleeding. They release chemicals to further enhance clot formation. Plasma is the liquid component of blood, red blood cells carry oxygen, and white blood cells are part of the immune system, none of which are directly involved in clot formation.
A patient who is taking warfarin (Coumadin) 5 mg daily has an international normalized ratio (INR) of 2.5. It is time to administer the next dose of Coumadin. What should the nurse do?
- A. Notify the physician STAT.
- B. Hold the dose of Coumadin.
- C. Prepare to administer vitamin K.
- D. Administer the daily Coumadin as ordered.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Administer the daily Coumadin as ordered. A therapeutic INR range for patients on warfarin is typically between 2-3. A patient with an INR of 2.5 is within this range, indicating that their blood is adequately anticoagulated. Therefore, the next dose of Coumadin should be administered as prescribed to maintain the therapeutic effect. Holding the dose (B) may lead to subtherapeutic anticoagulation, and notifying the physician (A) is not necessary as the INR is within range. Administering vitamin K (C) is indicated for patients with a high INR and signs of bleeding, which is not the case here.
A 10-year-old patient with aplastic anemia, who is blood type B negative, is receiving a red blood cell transfusion. About 10 minutes after the transfusion starts, the patient develops anxiety and lower back pain. The transfusion continues for another 5 minutes until it is stopped when he develops a temperature of 40 °C with chills and rigors. A transfusion reaction work-up is most likely to reveal what findings?
- A. Spherocytes on peripheral blood smear
- B. Gram-negative Bacillus on gram stain of remaining RBC unit
- C. Chest x-ray with bilateral pulmonary infiltrates that are new compared to an x-ray done last week
- D. DAT positive for C3
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because in this scenario, the patient is experiencing symptoms of a transfusion reaction, likely a hemolytic transfusion reaction due to ABO incompatibility. The presence of a positive Direct Antiglobulin Test (DAT) for C3 indicates complement activation, supporting the diagnosis.
Choice A (Spherocytes on peripheral blood smear) is incorrect as spherocytes are seen in autoimmune hemolytic anemia, not typically in transfusion reactions.
Choice B (Gram-negative Bacillus on gram stain of remaining RBC unit) is unlikely as the symptoms are more indicative of a hemolytic reaction rather than an infection.
Choice C (Chest x-ray with bilateral pulmonary infiltrates) is suggestive of transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), but the symptoms described in the question (fever, chills, rigors) are more indicative of a hemolytic reaction rather than TRALI.
Your patient with relapsed high-risk neuroblastoma returns to your care after travelling to an outside institution for [131]I-MIBG therapy. In the weeks following [131]I-MIBG therapy, what adverse events directly attributable to this therapy will the patient most likely encounter?
- A. Myelosuppression requiring growth factor and blood product support
- B. Severe mucositis
- C. Hemorrhagic cystitis
- D. Symptomatic hypothyroidism
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (A): Myelosuppression requiring growth factor and blood product support is the most likely adverse event following [131]I-MIBG therapy due to its impact on bone marrow. The therapy targets neuroblastoma cells, but can also affect normal bone marrow function, leading to myelosuppression. Growth factors and blood products are often needed to support hematopoiesis.
Summary of Incorrect Answers:
B: Severe mucositis: Not a common adverse event associated with [131]I-MIBG therapy, as it primarily affects the bone marrow.
C: Hemorrhagic cystitis: Not directly related to [131]I-MIBG therapy, which does not typically cause bladder toxicity.
D: Symptomatic hypothyroidism: While [131]I-MIBG therapy can affect thyroid function, symptomatic hypothyroidism is not the most likely adverse event following this therapy.