Chapter 15: Cancer
The nurse assesses a patient who is receiving interleukin-2. Which finding should the nurse report immediately to the health care provider? a. Generalized muscle aches b. Crackles at the lung bases c. Reports of nausea and anorexia d. Oral temperature of 100.6° F (38.1° C)
b. Crackles at the lung bases
The nurse should suggest which food choice for a patient scheduled to receive external-beam radiation for abdominal cancer? a. Fruit salad b. Baked chicken c. Creamed broccoli d. Toasted wheat bread
b. Baked chicken
The nurse is caring for a patient who smokes 2 packs/day. Which action by the nurse could help reduce the patient's risk of lung cancer? a. Teach the patient about the seven warning signs of cancer. b. Plan to monitor the patient's carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level. c. Teach the patient about annual chest x-rays for lung cancer screening. d. Discuss risks associated with cigarettes during each patient encounter.
d. Discuss risks associated with cigarettes during each patient encounter.
The nurse obtains information about a hospitalized patient who is receiving chemotherapy for colorectal cancer. Which information about the patient alerts the nurse to discuss a possible change in cancer therapy with the health care provider? a. Frequent loose stools b. Nausea and vomiting c. Elevated white blood count (WBC) d. Increased carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)
d. Increased carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)
The nurse at the clinic is interviewing a 64-yr-old woman who is 5 feet, 3 inches tall and weighs 125 lb (57 kg). The patient has not seen a health care provider for 20 years. She walks 5 miles most days and has a glass of wine 2 or 3 times a week. Which topics will the nurse plan to include in patient teaching about cancer screening and decreasing cancer risk? (Select all that apply.) a. Pap testing b. Tobacco use c. Sunscreen use d. Mammography e. Colorectal screening
a. Pap testing c. Sunscreen use d. Mammography e. Colorectal screening
The home health nurse is caring for a patient who has been receiving interferon therapy for treatment of cancer. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further assessment? a. "I have frequent muscle aches and pains." b. "I rarely have the energy to get out of bed." c. "I experience chills after I inject the interferon." d. "I take acetaminophen (Tylenol) every 4 hours."
b. "I rarely have the energy to get out of bed."
A patient undergoing external radiation has developed a dry desquamation of the skin in the treatment area. The nurse teaches the patient about the management of the skin reaction. Which statement, if made by the patient, indicates the teaching was effective? a. "I can use ice packs to relieve itching." b. "I will scrub the area with warm water." c. "I will expose my skin to a sun lamp each day." d. "I can buy some aloe vera gel to use on my skin."
d. "I can buy some aloe vera gel to use on my skin."
The nurse is caring for a 59-year-old woman who had surgery 1 day ago to remove an ovarian cancer mass. The patient is awaiting the pathology report. She is tearful and says that she is scared to die. The most effective nursing intervention at this point is to use this opportunity to a. motivate change in an unhealthy lifestyle. b. teach her about the 7 warning signs of cancer. c. discuss healthy stress relief and coping practices. d. let her communicate about the meaning of this experience.
d. let her communicate about the meaning of this experience.
The nurse counsels the patient receiving radiation therapy or chemotherapy that a. effective birth control methods should be used for the rest of the patient's life. b. after successful treatment, patients can expect a return to their previous level of function. c. the cycle of fatigue-depression-fatigue that may occur during treatment may be reduced by restricting activity. d. nausea and vomiting can usually be managed with antiemetic drugs, diet modification, and other interventions.
d. nausea and vomiting can usually be managed with antiemetic drugs, diet modification, and other interventions.
A characteristic of the stage of progression in cancer development is a. oncogenic viral transformation of target cells. b. a reversible steady growth facilitated by carcinogens. c. a period of latency before clinical detection of cancer. d. proliferation of cancer cells despite host control mechanisms.
d. proliferation of cancer cells despite host control mechanisms.
The most effective method of administering a chemotherapy agent that is a vesicant is to a. give it orally. b. give it intraarterially. c. use an Ommaya reservoir. d. use a central venous access device.
d. use a central venous access device.
To prevent fever and shivering during an infusion of rituximab (Rituxan), the nurse should premedicate the patient with a. aspirin. b. acetaminophen. c. sodium bicarbonate. d. meperidine (Demerol).
b. acetaminophen.
The nurse assesses a patient with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma who is receiving an infusion of rituximab (Rituxan). Which assessment finding would require the most rapid action by the nurse? a. Shortness of breath b. Shivering and chills c. Muscle aches and pains d. Temperature of 100.2° F (37.9° C)
a. Shortness of breath
A patient who is being treated for stage IV lung cancer tells the nurse about new-onset back pain. Which action should the nurse take first? a. Give the patient the prescribed PRN opioid. b. Assess for sensation and strength in the legs. c. Notify the health care provider about the symptoms. d. Teach the patient how to use relaxation to reduce pain.
b. Assess for sensation and strength in the legs.
The nurse teaches a patient with liver cancer about high-protein, high-calorie diet choices. Which snack choice by the patient indicates that the teaching has been effective? a. Lime sherbet b. Blueberry yogurt c. Fresh strawberries d. Cream cheese bagel
b. Blueberry yogurt
The nurse is caring for a patient receiving intravesical bladder chemotherapy. The nurse should monitor for which adverse effect? a. Nausea b. Alopecia c. Hematuria d. Xerostomia
c. Hematuria
The nurse administers an IV vesicant chemotherapeutic agent to a patient. Which action is most important for the nurse to take? a. Infuse the medication over a short period of time. b. Stop the infusion if swelling is observed at the site. c. Administer the chemotherapy through a small-bore catheter. d. Hold the medication unless a central venous line is available.
b. Stop the infusion if swelling is observed at the site.
A patient who is diagnosed with cervical cancer classified as Tis, N0, M0 asks the nurse what the letters and numbers mean. Which response by the nurse is accurate? a. "The cancer involves only the cervix." b. "The cancer cells look like normal cells." c. "Further testing is needed to determine the spread of the cancer." d. "It is difficult to determine the original site of the cervical cancer."
a. "The cancer involves only the cervix."
A patient develops neutropenia after receiving chemotherapy. Which information about ways to prevent infection will the nurse include in the teaching plan? (Select all that apply.) a. Cook food thoroughly before eating. b. Choose low fiber, low residue foods. c. Avoid public transportation such as buses. d. Use rectal suppositories if needed for constipation. e. Talk to the oncologist before having any dental work.
a. Cook food thoroughly before eating. c. Avoid public transportation such as buses. e. Talk to the oncologist before having any dental work.
Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is used as adjuvant therapy for a patient with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Which information should the nurse include when explaining the purpose of this therapy to the patient? a. IL-2 enhances the body's immunologic response to tumor cells. b. IL-2 prevents bone marrow depression caused by chemotherapy. c. IL-2 protects normal cells from harmful effects of chemotherapy. d. IL-2 stimulates cancer cells in their resting phase to enter mitosis.
a. IL-2 enhances the body's immunologic response to tumor cells.
Which action should the nurse take when caring for a patient who is receiving chemotherapy and reports problems with concentration? a. Suggest use of a daily planner and encourage adequate sleep. b. Teach the patient to rest the brain by avoiding new activities. c. Teach that "chemo-brain" is a short-term effect of chemotherapy. d. Report patient symptoms immediately to the health care provider.
a. Suggest use of a daily planner and encourage adequate sleep.
When caring for a patient who is pancytopenic, which action by unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) indicates a need for the nurse to intervene? a. The UAP assists the patient to use dental floss after eating. b. The UAP adds baking soda to the patient's saline oral rinses. c. The UAP puts fluoride toothpaste on the patient's toothbrush. d. The UAP has the patient rinse after meals with a saline solution.
a. The UAP assists the patient to use dental floss after eating.
What features of cancer cells distinguish them from normal cells (select all that apply)? a. Cells lack contact inhibition. b. Cells undergo rapid proliferation. c. Cells return to a previous undifferentiated state. d. Proliferation occurs when there is a need for more cells. e. New proteins characteristic of embryonic stage emerge on cell membrane.
a. Cells lack contact inhibition. c. Cells return to a previous undifferentiated state. e. New proteins characteristic of embryonic stage emerge on cell membrane.
A 70-year-old male patient has multiple myeloma. His wife calls to report that he sleeps most of the day, is confused when awake, and reports nausea and constipation. Which complication of cancer is this most likely caused by? a. Hypercalcemia b. Tumor lysis syndrome c. Spinal cord compression d. Superior vena cava syndrome
a. Hypercalcemia
A patient has recently been diagnosed with early stages of breast cancer. What is most appropriate for the nurse to focus on? a. Maintaining the patient's hope b. Preparing a will and advance directives c. Discussing replacement child care for the patient's children d. Discussing the patient's past experiences with her grandmother's cancer
a. Maintaining the patient's hope
During a routine health examination, a 40-yr-old patient tells the nurse about a family history of colon cancer. Which action should the nurse take next? a. Schedule a sigmoidoscopy to provide baseline data. b. Obtain more information about the patient's relatives. c. Teach the patient about the need for a colonoscopy at age 50. d. Teach the patient how to do home testing for fecal occult blood.
b. Obtain more information about the patient's relatives.
The primary protective role of the immune system related to malignant cells is a. surveillance for cells with tumor-associated antigens. b. binding with free antigens released by all cancer cells. c. producing blocking factors that immobilize cancer cells. d. reacting to a new set of antigenic determinants on cancer cells.
a. surveillance for cells with tumor-associated antigens.
A widowed mother of 4 school-age children is hospitalized with metastatic ovarian cancer. The patient is crying and tells the nurse that she does not know what will happen to her children when she dies. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate? a. "Don't you have any friends that will raise the children for you?" b. "Would you like to talk about options for the care of your children?" c. "For now you need to concentrate on getting well and not worrying about your children." d. "Many patients with cancer live for a long time, so there is time to plan for your children."
b. "Would you like to talk about options for the care of your children?"
During the teaching session for a patient who has a new diagnosis of acute leukemia, the patient is restless and looks away without making eye contact. The patient asks the nurse to repeat the information about the complications associated with chemotherapy. Based on this assessment, which patient problem should the nurse identify? a. Denial b. Anxiety c. Acute confusion d. Ineffective adherence to treatment
b. Anxiety
A patient with a large stomach tumor attached to the liver is scheduled for a debulking procedure. What should the nurse teach the patient about the outcome of this procedure? a. Pain will be relieved by cutting sensory nerves in the stomach. b. Decreasing the tumor size will improve the effects of other therapy. c. Relieving the pressure in the stomach will promote optimal nutrition. d. Tumor growth will be controlled by removing all the cancerous tissue.
b. Decreasing the tumor size will improve the effects of other therapy.
A chemotherapy drug that causes alopecia is prescribed for a patient. Which action should the nurse take to support the patient's self-esteem? a. Suggest that the patient limit social contacts until hair regrowth occurs. b. Encourage the patient to purchase a wig or hat to wear when hair loss begins. c. Teach the patient to wash hair gently with mild shampoo to minimize hair loss. d. Inform the patient that hair usually grows back once chemotherapy is complete.
b. Encourage the patient to purchase a wig or hat to wear when hair loss begins.
A patient with Hodgkin's lymphoma who is undergoing external radiation therapy tells the nurse, "I am so tired I can hardly get out of bed in the morning." Which intervention should the nurse add to the plan of care? a. Minimize activity until the treatment is completed. b. Establish time to take a short walk almost every day. c. Consult with a psychiatrist for treatment of depression. d. Arrange for delivery of a hospital bed to the patient's home.
b. Establish time to take a short walk almost every day.
A patient with leukemia is considering whether to have hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Which information should the nurse include in the patient's teaching plan? a. Donor bone marrow is transplanted through a sternal or hip incision. b. Hospitalization is required for several weeks after the stem cell transplant. c. The transplant procedure takes place in a sterile operating room to decrease the risk for infection. d. Transplant of the donated cells can be very painful because of the nerves in the tissue lining the bone.
b. Hospitalization is required for several weeks after the stem cell transplant.
The nurse supervises the care of a patient with a temporary radioactive cervical implant. Which action by unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP), if observed by the nurse, would require an intervention? a. The UAP flushes the toilet once after emptying the patient's bedpan. b. The UAP stands by the patient's bed for 30 minutes talking with the patient. c. The UAP places the patient's bedding in the laundry container in the hallway. d. The UAP gives the patient an alcohol-containing mouthwash to use for oral care.
b. The UAP stands by the patient's bed for 30 minutes talking with the patient.
The nurse is caring for a patient with colon cancer who is scheduled for external radiation therapy to the abdomen. Which information obtained by the nurse would indicate a need for patient teaching? a. The patient has a history of dental caries. b. The patient swims several days each week. c. The patient snacks frequently during the day. d. The patient showers each day with mild soap.
b. The patient swims several days each week.
A hospitalized patient who has received chemotherapy for leukemia develops neutropenia. Which observation by the nurse indicates a need for further teaching? a. The patient ambulates around the room. b. The patient's visitors bring in fresh peaches. c. The patient cleans with a warm washcloth after having a stool. d. The patient uses soap and shampoo to shower every other day.
b. The patient's visitors bring in fresh peaches.
The nurse explains to a patient undergoing brachytherapy of the cervix that she a. must undergo simulation to locate the treatment area. b. requires the use of radioactive precautions during nursing care. c. may have desquamation of the skin on the abdomen and upper legs. d. requires shielding of the ovaries during treatment to prevent ovarian damage.
b. requires the use of radioactive precautions during nursing care.
The nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with stage I colon cancer. When assessing the need for psychologic support, which question by the nurse will provide the most information? a. "How long ago were you diagnosed with this cancer?" b. "Do you have any concerns about body image changes?" c. "Can you tell me what has been helpful when coping with past stressful events?" d. "Are you familiar with the stages of emotional adjustment to cancer of the colon?"
c. "Can you tell me what has been helpful when coping with past stressful events?"
The nurse teaches a postmenopausal patient with stage III breast cancer about the expected outcomes of cancer treatment. Which patient statement indicates that the teaching has been effective? a. "After cancer has not recurred for 5 years, it is considered cured." b. "The cancer will be cured if the entire tumor is surgically removed." c. "I will need follow-up examinations for many years after treatment before I can be considered cured." d. "Cancer is never cured, but the tumor can be controlled with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation."
c. "I will need follow-up examinations for many years after treatment before I can be considered cured."
A patient who is scheduled for a breast biopsy asks the nurse the difference between a benign tumor and a malignant tumor. Which answer by the nurse is accurate? a. "Benign tumors do not cause damage to other tissues." b. "Benign tumors are likely to recur in the same location." c. "Malignant tumors may spread to other tissues or organs." d. "Malignant cells reproduce more rapidly than normal cells."
c. "Malignant tumors may spread to other tissues or organs."
The nurse teaches a patient who is scheduled for a prostate needle biopsy about the procedure. Which statement by the patient indicates that teaching was effective? a. "The biopsy will remove the cancer in my prostate gland." b. "The biopsy will determine how much longer I have to live." c. "The biopsy will help decide the treatment for my enlarged prostate." d. "The biopsy will indicate whether the cancer has spread to other organs."
c. "The biopsy will help decide the treatment for my enlarged prostate."
The nurse receives change-of-shift report on the oncology unit. Which patient should the nurse assess first? a. A 35-yr-old patient who has wet desquamation associated with abdominal radiation b. A 42-yr-old patient who is sobbing after receiving a new diagnosis of ovarian cancer c. A 24-yr-old patient who received neck radiation and has blood oozing from the neck d. A 56-yr-old patient who developed a new pericardial friction rub after chest radiation
c. A 24-yr-old patient who received neck radiation and has blood oozing from the neck
A patient with metastatic colon cancer has severe vomiting after each administration of chemotherapy. Which action by the nurse is appropriate? a. Have the patient eat large meals when nausea is not present. b. Offer dry crackers and carbonated fluids during chemotherapy. c. Administer prescribed antiemetics 1 hour before the treatments. d. Give the patient a glass of a citrus fruit beverage during treatments.
c. Administer prescribed antiemetics 1 hour before the treatments.
A patient has inadequate nutrition due to painful oral ulcers. Which nursing action will be most effective in improving oral intake? a. Offer the patient frequent small snacks between meals. b. Assist the patient to choose favorite foods from the menu. c. Apply prescribed anesthetic gel to oral lesions before meals. d. Teach the patient about the importance of nutritional intake.
c. Apply prescribed anesthetic gel to oral lesions before meals.
A patient with cancer is eating very little due to altered taste sensation. Which nursing action would address the cause of the patient problem? a. Add protein powder to foods such as casseroles. b. Tell the patient to eat foods that are high in nutrition. c. Avoid giving the patient foods that are strongly disliked. d. Add spices to enhance the flavor of foods that are served.
c. Avoid giving the patient foods that are strongly disliked.
External-beam radiation is planned for a patient with cervical cancer. What instructions should the nurse give to the patient to prevent complications from the effects of the radiation? a. Test all stools for the presence of blood. b. Maintain a high-residue, high-fiber diet. c. Clean the perianal area carefully after every bowel movement. d. Inspect the mouth and throat daily for the appearance of thrush.
c. Clean the perianal area carefully after every bowel movement.
A patient who has ovarian cancer is crying and tells the nurse, "My husband rarely visits. He just doesn't care." The husband tells the nurse that he does not know what to say to his wife. Which problem is appropriate for the nurse to address in the plan of care? a. Anxiety b. Death anxiety c. Difficulty coping d. Lack of knowledge
c. Difficulty coping
After change-of-shift report on the oncology unit, which patient should the nurse assess first? a. Patient who has a platelet count of 82,000/µL after chemotherapy. b. Patient who has xerostomia after receiving head and neck radiation. c. Patient who is neutropenic and has a temperature of 100.5° F (38.1° C). d. Patient who is worried about getting the prescribed long-acting opioid on time.
c. Patient who is neutropenic and has a temperature of 100.5° F (38.1° C).
The nurse is caring for a patient with left-sided lung cancer. Which finding would be most important for the nurse to report to the health care provider? a. Hematocrit of 32% b. Pain with deep inspiration c. Serum sodium of 126 mEq/L d. Decreased breath sounds on left side
c. Serum sodium of 126 mEq/L
A patient who has severe pain with terminal pancreatic cancer is being cared for at home by family members. Which finding by the nurse indicates that teaching about pain management has been effective? a. The patient uses the ordered opioid pain medication whenever the pain is greater than 5 (0 to 10 scale). b. The patient agrees to take the medications by the IV route to improve analgesic effectiveness. c. The patient takes opioids around the clock on a regular schedule and uses additional doses when breakthrough pain occurs. d. The patient states that nonopioid analgesics may be used if the maximal dose of the opioid is reached without adequate pain relief.
c. The patient takes opioids around the clock on a regular schedule and uses additional doses when breakthrough pain occurs.
A patient on chemotherapy and radiation for head and neck cancer has a WBC count of 1.9 × 103/μL, hemoglobin of 10.8 g/dL, and a platelet count of 99 × 103/μL. Based on the CBC results, what is the most serious clinical finding? a. Cough, rhinitis, and sore throat b. Fatigue, nausea, and skin redness at site of radiation c. Temperature of 101.9° F, fatigue, and shortness of breath d. Skin redness at site of radiation, headache, and constipation
c. Temperature of 101.9° F, fatigue, and shortness of breath
The goals of cancer treatment are based on the principle that a. surgery is the single most effective treatment for cancer. b. initial treatment is always directed toward cure of the cancer. c. a combination of treatment modalities is effective for controlling many cancers. d. although cancer cure is rare, quality of life can be increased with treatment modalities.
c. a combination of treatment modalities is effective for controlling many cancers.
Trends in the incidence and death rates of cancer include the fact that a. a higher percent of women than men have lung cancer. b. lung cancer is the most common type of cancer in men. c. blacks have a higher death rate from cancer than whites. d. breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in women.
c. blacks have a higher death rate from cancer than whites.
An older adult patient who has colorectal cancer is receiving IV fluids at 175 mL/hr in conjunction with the prescribed chemotherapy. Which finding by the nurse is most important to report to the health care provider? a. Patient reports having severe fatigue. b. Patient voids every hour during the day. c. Patient takes only 50% of meals and refuses snacks. d. Patient has crackles up to the midline posterior chest.
d. Patient has crackles up to the midline posterior chest.
A patient receiving head and neck radiation for larynx cancer has ulcerations over the oral mucosa and tongue and thick, ropey saliva. Which instructions should the nurse give to this patient? a. Remove food debris from the teeth and oral mucosa with a stiff toothbrush. b. Use cotton-tipped applicators dipped in hydrogen peroxide to clean the teeth. c. Gargle and rinse the mouth several times a day with an antiseptic mouthwash. d. Rinse the mouth before and after each meal and at bedtime with a saline solution.
d. Rinse the mouth before and after each meal and at bedtime with a saline solution.
The nurse reviews the laboratory results of a patient who is receiving chemotherapy. Which laboratory result is most important to report to the health care provider? a. Hematocrit 30% b. Platelets 95,000/µL c. Hemoglobin 10 g/L d. White blood cells (WBC) 2700/µL
d. White blood cells (WBC) 2700/µL
A patient on chemotherapy for 10 weeks started at a weight of 121 lb. She now weighs 118 lb and has no sense of taste. Which nursing intervention would be a priority? a. Discuss with the provider the need for parenteral nutrition. b. Teach the patient to eat foods that are fatty, fried, or high in calories. c. Tell the patient to drink a nutritional supplement beverage three times a day. d. Have the patient try various spices and seasonings to enhance the flavor of food.
d. Have the patient try various spices and seasonings to enhance the flavor of food.
