Exam 2 AH3 Cancer

The nurse is teaching a client about the risk factors associated with colorectal cancer. The nurse deter- mines that further teaching is necessary related to colorectal cancer if the client identifies which item as an associated risk factor? 1. Age younger than 50 years 2. History of colorectal polyps 3. Family history of colorectal cancer 4. Chronic inflammatory bowel disease

1 Rationale: Colorectal cancer risk factors include age older than 50 years, a family history of the disease, colorectal polyps, and chronic inflammatory bowel disease

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? 1. Increased calcium level 2. Increased white blood cells 3. Decreased blood urea nitrogen level 4. Decreased number of plasma cells in the bone marrow

1 Rationale: Findings indicative of multiple myeloma are an increased number of plasma cells in the bone marrow, anemia, hypercalcemia caused by the release of calcium from the deteriorating bone tissue, and an elevated blood urea nitrogen level. An increased white blood cell count may or may not be present and is not related specifically to multiple myeloma.

The nurse is creating a plan of care for the client with multiple myeloma and includes which priority intervention in the plan? 1. Encouraging fluids 2. Providing frequent oral care 3. Coughing and deep breathing 4. Monitoring the red blood cell count

1 Rationale: Hypercalcemia caused by bone destruction is a priority concern in the client with multiple myeloma. The nurse should administer fluids in adequate amounts to maintain a urine out put of 1.5 to 2L/day; this requires about 3L of fluid intake per day. The fluid is needed not only to dilute the calcium overload but also to prevent protein from precipitating in the renal tubules. Options 2, 3, and 4 may be components of the plan of care but are not the priority in this client.

The nurse analyzes the laboratory values of a child with leukemia who is receiving chemotherapy. The nurse notes that the platelet count is 19,500 mm3 (19.5 Â 109/L). On the basis of this laboratory result, which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care? 1. Initiate bleeding precautions. 2. Monitor closely for signs of infection. 3. Monitor the temperature every 4 hours. 4. Initiate protective isolation precautions.

1 Rationale: Leukemia is a malignant increase in the number of leukocytes, usually at an immature stage, in the bone marrow. It affects the bone marrow, causing anemia from decreased erythrocytes, infection from neutropenia, and bleeding from decreased platelet production (thrombocytopenia). If a child is severely thrombocytopenic and has a platelet count less than 20,000 mm3 (20.0 Â 109/L), bleeding precautions need to be initiated because of the increased risk of bleeding or hemorrhage. Precautions include limiting activity that could result in head injury, using soft toothbrushes, checking urine and stools for blood, and administering stool softeners to prevent straining with constipation. In addition, suppositories, enemas, and rectal temperatures are avoided. Options 2, 3, and 4 are related to the prevention of infection rather than bleeding.

The nurse is monitoring a 3-year-old child for signs and symptoms of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) after a craniotomy. The nurse plans to monitor for which early sign or symptom of increased ICP? 1. Vomiting 2. Bulging anterior fontanel 3. Increasing head circumference 4. Complaints of a frontal headache

1 Rationale: The brain, although well protected by the solid bony cranium, is highly susceptible to pressure that may accumulate within the enclosure. Volume and pressure must remain constant within the brain. A change in the size of the brain, such as occurs with edema or increased volume of intracranial blood or cerebrospinal fluid without a compensatory change, leads to an increase in ICP, which may be life-threatening. Vomiting, an early sign of increased ICP, can become excessive as pressure builds up and stimulates the medulla in the brainstem, which houses the vomiting center.

The nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a pelvic exenteration and the health care provider changes the client's diet from NPO (nothing by mouth) status to clear liquids. The nurse should check which priority item before administering the diet? 1. Bowel sounds 2.Ability to ambulate 3. Incision appearance 4. Urine specific gravity

1 Rationale: The client is kept NPO until peristalsis returns, usually in 4 to 6 days. When signs of bowel function return, clear fluids are given to the client. If no distention occurs, the diet is advanced as tolerated. The most important assessment is to assess bowel sounds before feeding the client. Options 2, 3, and 4 are unrelated to the data in the question.

A client with carcinoma of the lung develops syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) as a complication of the cancer. The nurse anticipates that the health care provider will request which prescriptions? Select all that apply. 1. Radiation 2. Chemotherapy 3. Increased fluid intake 4. Decreased oral sodium intake 5. Serum sodium level determination 6. Medication that is antagonistic to antidiuretic hormone

1, 2, 5, 6 Rationale: Cancer is a common cause of SIADH. In SIADH, excessive amounts of water are reabsorbed by the kidney and put into the systemic circulation. The increased water causes hyponatremia (decreased serum sodium levels) and some degree of fluid retention. The syndrome is managed by treating the condition and cause and usually includes fluid restriction, increased sodium intake, and medication with a mechanism of action that is antagonistic to antidiuretic hormone. Sodium levels are monitored closely because hypernatremia can develop suddenly as a result of treatment. The immediate institution of appropriate cancer therapy, usually radiation or chemotherapy, can cause tumor regression so that antidiuretic hormone synthesis and release processes return to normal.

The nurse is caring for a client with lung cancer and bone metastasis. What signs and symptoms would the nurse recognize as indications of a possible oncological emergency? Select all that apply. 1. Facial edema in the morning 2. Weight loss of 20 lb (9 kg) in 1 month 3. Serum calcium level of 12 mg/dL(3.0 mmol/L) 4. Serum sodium level of 136 mg/dL (136mmol/L) 5. Serum potassium level of 3.4 mg/dL (3.4 mmol/L) 6. Numbness and tingling of the lower extremities

1, 3, 6 Rationale: Oncological emergencies include sepsis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone, spinal cord compression, hypercalcemia, superior vena cava syndrome, and tumor lysis syndrome. Blockage of blood flow to the venous system of the head resulting in facial edema is a sign of superior vena cava syndrome. A serum calcium level of 12 mg/dL (3.0 mmol/L) indicates hypercalcemia. Numbness and tingling of the lower extremities could be a sign of spinal cord compression. Mild hypokalemia and weight loss are not oncological emergencies. A sodium level of 136 mg/dL (136 mmol/L) is a normal level.

The nurse is conducting a history and monitoring laboratory values on a client with multiple myeloma. What assessment findings should the nurse expect to note? Select all that apply. 1. Pathological fracture 2. Urinalysis positive for nitrites 3. Hemoglobin level of 15.5 g/dL (155 mmol/L) 4. Calcium level of 8.6 mg/dL (2.15 mmol/L) 5. Serum creatinine level of 2.0 mg/dL (176.6 mcmol/L)

1,2,5 Rationale: Multiple myeloma is a B-cell neoplastic condition characterized by abnormal malignant proliferation of plasma cells and the accumulation of mature plasma cells in the bone marrow. The client with malignant melanoma may experience pathologic fractures, hypercalcemia, anemia, recurrent infections, and renal failure. A serum calcium level of 8.6 mg/dL (2.15 mmol/L) and a hemoglobin level of 15.5 g/dL (155mmol/L) are normal values. Therefore, the correct answers are pathological fractures, positive urinalysis for nitrites, and a serum creatinine level of 2.0 mg/dL (176.6 mcmol/L).

A client who has been receiving radiation therapy for bladder cancer tells the nurse that it feels as if she is voiding through the vagina. The nurse interprets that the client may be experiencing which condition? 1. Rupture of the bladder 2. The development of a vesicovaginal fistula 3. Extreme stress caused by the diagnosis of cancer 4. Altered perineal sensation as a side effect of radiation therapy

2 Rationale: A vesicovaginal fistula is a genital fistula that occurs between the bladder and vagina. The fistula is an abnormal opening between these 2 body parts and, if this occurs, the client may experience drainage of urine through the vagina. The client's complaint is not associated with options 1, 3, or 4.

The nurse is caring for a client following a mastectomy. Which nursing intervention would assist in preventing lymphedema of the affected arm? 1. Placing cool compresses on the affected arm 2. Elevating the affected arm on a pillow above heart level 3. Avoiding arm exercises in the immediate postoperative period 4. Maintaining an intravenous site below the ante- cubital area on the affected side

2 Rationale: Following mastectomy, the arm should be elevated above the level of the heart. Simple arm exercises should be encouraged. No blood pressure readings, injections, intravenous lines, or blood draws should be performed on the affected arm. Cool compresses are not a suggested measure to prevent lymphedema from occurring

The nurse is assessing the perineal wound in a client who has returned from the operating room following an abdominal perineal resection and notes serosanguineous drainage from the wound. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate? 1. Clamp the surgical drain. 2. Change the dressing as prescribed. 3. Notify the health care provider (HCP). 4. Remove and replace the perineal packing.

2 Rationale: Immediately after surgery, profuse serosanguineous drainage from the perineal wound is expected. Therefore, the nurse should change the dressing as prescribed. A surgical drain should not be clamped because this action will cause the accumulation of drainage within the tissue. The nurse does not need to notify the HCP at this time. Drains and packing are removed gradually over a period of 5 to 7 days as prescribed. The nurse should not remove the perineal packing.

A child undergoes surgical removal of a brain tumor. During the postoperative period, the nurse notes that the child is restless, the pulse rate is elevated, and the blood pressure has decreased significantly from the baseline value. The nurse suspects that the child is in shock. Which is the most appropriate nursing action? 1. Place the child in a supine position. 2. Notify the health care provider (HCP). 3. Place the child in Trendelenburg position. 4. Increase the flow rate of the intravenous fluids.

2 Rationale: In the event of shock, the HCP is notified immediately before the nurse changes the child's position or increases intravenous fluids. After craniotomy, a child is never placed in the supine or Trendelenburg position because it increases intra- cranial pressure (ICP) and the risk of bleeding. The head of the bed should be elevated. Increasing intravenous fluids can cause an increase in ICP.

A 4-year-old child is admitted to the hospital for abdominal pain. The mother reports that the child 371. has been pale and excessively tired and is bruising easily. On physical examination, lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly are noted. Diagnostic studies are being performed because acute lymphocytic leukemia is suspected. The nurse determines that which laboratory result confirms the diagnosis?1. Lumbar puncture showing no blast cells 2. Bone marrow biopsy showing blast cells 3. Platelet count of 350,000 mm3 (350Â109/L) 4. White blood cell count 4500 mm3 (4.5Â109/L)

2 Rationale: Leukemia is a malignant increase in the number of leukocytes, usually at an immature stage, in the bone marrow. The confirmatory test for leukemia is microscopic examination of bone marrow obtained by bone marrow aspirate and biopsy, which is considered positive if blast cells are present. An altered platelet count occurs as a result of the disease, but also may occur as a result of chemotherapy and does not confirm the diagnosis. The white blood cell count may be normal, high, or low in leukemia. A lumbar puncture may be done to look for blast cells in the spinal fluid that indicate central nervous system disease.

The nurse is instructing a client to perform a testicular self-examination (TSE). The nurse should pro- vide the client with which information about the procedure? 1. To examine the testicles while lying down 2. That the best time for the examination is after a shower 3. To gently feel the testicle with 1 finger to feel for a growth 4. That TSEs should be done at least every 6 months

2 Rationale: The TSE is recommended monthly after a warm bath or shower when the scrotal skin is relaxed. The client should stand to examine the testicles. Using both hands, with fingers under the scrotum and thumbs on top, the client should gently roll the testicles, feeling for any lumps.

The nurse is reviewing the history of a client with bladder cancer. The nurse expects to note documentation of which most common sign or symptom of this type of cancer? 1. Dysuria 2. Hematuria 3. Urgency on urination 4. Frequency of urination

2 Rationale: The most common sign in clients with cancer of the bladder is hematuria. The client also may experience irritative voiding symptoms such as frequency, urgency, and dysuria, and these symptoms often are associated with carcinoma in situ. Dysuria, urgency, and frequency of urination are also symptoms of a bladder infection.

The nurse is monitoring a child for bleeding after surgery for removal of a brain tumor. The nurse checks the head dressing for the presence of blood and notes a colorless drainage on the back of the dressing. Which intervention should the nurse per- form immediately? 1. Reinforce the dressing. 2. Notify the health care provider (HCP). 3. Document the findings and continue to monitor. 4. Circle the area of drainage and continue to monitor.

2 Rationale: Colorless drainage on the dressing in a child after craniotomy indicates the presence of cerebrospinal fluid and should be reported to the HCP immediately. Options 1, 3, and 4 are not the immediate nursing intervention because they do not address the need for immediate intervention to prevent complications.

When caring for a client with an internal radiation implant, the nurse should observe which principles? Select all that apply. 1. Limiting the time with the client to 1 hour per shift. 2, Keeping pregnant women out of the client's room. 3. Placing the client in a private room with a private bath. 4. Wearing a lead shield when providing direct client care. 5. Removing the dosimeter film badge when entering the client's room. 6. Allowing individuals younger than 16 years old in the room as long as they are 6 feet away from the client.

2, 3, 4 Rationale: The time that the nurse spends in the room of a client with an internal radiation implant is 30 minutes per 8-hour shift. The client must be placed in a private room with a private bath. Lead shielding can be used to reduce the transmission of radiation. The dosimeter film badge must be worn when in the client's room. Children younger than 16 years of age and pregnant women are not allowed in the client's room.

Which specific nursing interventions are implemented in the care of a child with leukemia who is at risk for infection? Select all that apply. 1. Maintain the child in a semiprivate room. 2. Reduce exposure to environmental organisms. 3. Use strict aseptic technique for all procedures. 4. Ensure that anyone entering the child's room wears a mask. 5. Apply firm pressure to a needle-stick area for at least 10 minutes.

2,3,4 Rationale: Leukemia is a malignant increase in the number of leukocytes, usually at an immature stage, in the bone marrow. It affects the bone marrow, causing anemia from decreased erythrocytes, infection from neutropenia, and bleeding from decreased platelet production (thrombocytopenia). A common complication of treatment for leukemia is overwhelming infection secondary to neutropenia. Measures to prevent infec-tion include the use of a private room, strict aseptic technique, restriction of visitors and health care personnel with active infection, strict hand washing, ensuring that anyone entering the child's room wears a mask, and reducing exposure to environmental organisms by eliminating raw fruits and vegetables from the diet and fresh flowers from the child's room and by not leaving standing water in the child's room. Applying firm pressure to a needle-stick area for at least 10 minutes is a measure to prevent bleeding.

A client is diagnosed as having a bowel tumor. The nurse should monitor the client for which complications of this type of tumor? Select all that apply. 1. Flatulence 2. Peritonitis 3. Hemorrhage 4. Fistula formation 5. Bowel perforation 6. Lactose intolerance

2,3,4,5 Rationale: Complications of bowel tumors include bowel perforation, which can result in hemorrhage and peritonitis. Other complications include bowel obstruction and fistula formation. Flatulence can occur but is not a complication; lactose intolerance also is not a complication of intestinal tumor

A gastrectomy is performed on a client with gastric cancer. In the immediate postoperative period, the nurse notes bloody drainage from the nasogastric tube. The nurse should take which most appropriate action? 1. Measure abdominal girth. 2. Irrigate the nasogastric tube. 3. Continue to monitor the drainage. 4. Notify the health care provider (HCP).

3 Rationale: Following gastrectomy, drainage from the nasogastric tube is normally bloody for 24 hours postoperatively, changes to brown-tinged, and is then yellow or clear. Because bloody drainage is expected in the immediate postoperative period, the nurse should continue to monitor the drainage. The nurse does not need to notify the HCP at this time. Measuring abdominal girth is performed to detect the development of distention. Following gastrectomy, a nasogastric tube should not be irrigated unless there are specific HCP prescriptions to do so.

The nurse should plan to implement which intervention in the care of a client experiencing neutropenia as a result of chemotherapy? 1. Restrict all visitors. 2. Restrict fluid intake. 3. Teach the client and family about the need for hand hygiene. 4. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter to prevent skin breakdown.

3 Rationale: In the neutropenic client, meticulous hand hygiene education is implemented for the client, family, visitors, and staff. Not all visitors are restricted, but the client is protected from persons with known infections. Fluids should be encouraged. Invasive measures such as an indwelling urinary catheter should be avoided to prevent infections.

The nurse is monitoring a client for signs and symptoms related to superior vena cava syndrome. Which is an early sign of this oncological emergency? 1. Cyanosis 2. Arm edema 3. Periorbital edema 4. Mental status changes

3 Rationale: Superior vena cava syndrome occurs when the superior vena cava is compressed or obstructed by tumor growth. Early signs and symptoms generally occur in the morn- ing and include edema of the face, especially around the eyes, and client complaints of tightness of a shirt or blouse collar. As the compression worsens, the client experiences edema of the hands and arms. Cyanosis and mental status changes are late signs.

As part of chemotherapy education, the nurse teaches a female client about the risk for bleeding and self-care during the period of greatest bone marrow suppression (the nadir). The nurse under- stands that further teaching is needed if the client makes which statement? 1. "I should avoid blowing my nose." 2. "I may need a platelet transfusion if my platelet count is too low." 3. "I'm going to take aspirin for my headache as soon as I get home." 4. "I will count the number of pads and tampons I use when menstruating."

3 Rationale: During the period of greatest bone marrow suppression (the nadir), the platelet count may be low, less than 20,000 cells mm3 (20.0Â109/L). The correct option describes an incorrect statement by the client. Aspirin and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and products that contain aspirin should be avoided because of their antiplatelet activity. Options 1, 2, and 4 are correct statements by the client to pre- vent and monitor bleeding.

During the admission assessment of a client with advanced ovarian cancer, the nurse recognizes which manifestation as typical of the disease? 1. Diarrhea 2. Hypermenorrhea 3. Abnormal bleeding 4. Abdominal distention

4 Rationale: Clinical manifestations of ovarian cancer include abdominal distention, urinary frequency and urgency, pleural effusion, malnutrition, pain from pressure caused by the grow- ing tumor and the effects of urinary or bowel obstruction, constipation, ascites with dyspnea, and ultimately general severe pain. Abnormal bleeding, often resulting in hypermenorrhea, is associated with uterine cancer.

The nurse manager is teaching the nursing staff about signs and symptoms related to hypercalcemia in a client with metastatic prostate cancer, and tells the staff that which is a late sign or symptom of this oncological emergency? 1. Headache 2. Dysphagia 3. Constipation 4. Electrocardiographic changes

4 Rationale: Hypercalcemia is a manifestation of bone metasta- sis in late-stage cancer. Headache and dysphagia are not associated with hypercalcemia. Constipation may occur early in the process. Electrocardiogram changes include shortened ST segment and a widened T wave

While giving care to a client with an internal cervical radiation implant, the nurse finds the implant in the bed. The nurse should take which initial action? 1. Call the health care provider (HCP). 2. Reinsert the implant into the vagina. 3. Pick up the implant with gloved hands and flush it down the toilet. 4. Pick up the implant with long-handled forceps and place it in a lead container.

4 Rationale: In the event that a radiation source becomes dis- lodged, the nurse would first encourage the client to lie still until the radioactive source has been placed in a safe, closed container. The nurse would use long-handled forceps to place the source in the lead container that should be in the client's room. The nurse should then call the radiation oncologist and document the event and the actions taken. It is not within the scope of nursing practice to insert a radiation implant.

The community health nurse is instructing a group of young female clients about breast self- examination. The nurse should instruct the clients to perform the examination at which time? 1. At the onset of menstruation 2. Every month during ovulation 3. Weekly at the same time of day 4. 1 week after menstruation begins

4 Rationale: The breast self-examination should be performed regularly, 7 days after the onset of the menstrual period. Per-forming the examination weekly is not recommended. At the onset of menstruation and during ovulation, hormonal changes occur that may alter breast tissue.