ONCOLOGY: Lewis Ch 15: Cancer

Question 1

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.”

Answer 1

c. “Malignant tumors may spread to other tissues or organs.”

The major difference between benign and malignant tumors is that malignant tumors invade adjacent tissues and spread to distant tissues and benign tumors do not metastasize. The other statements are inaccurate. Both types of tumors may cause damage to adjacent tissues. Malignant cells do not reproduce more rapidly than normal cells. Benign tumors do not usually recur.

Question 2

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

Answer 2

c. Hematuria

The adverse effects of intravesical chemotherapy are confined to the bladder. The other adverse effects are associated with systemic chemotherapy.

Question 3

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.

Answer 3

d. Discuss risks associated with cigarettes during each patient encounter.

Teaching about the risks associated with cigarette smoking is recommended at every patient encounter because cigarette smoking is associated with multiple health problems. The other options may detect lung cancer that is already present but do not reduce the risk.

Question 4

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

Answer 4

b. Baked chicken

Protein is needed for wound healing. To minimize the diarrhea that is associated with bowel radiation, the patient should avoid foods high in roughage, such as fruits and whole grains. Lactose intolerance may develop secondary to radiation, so dairy products should also be avoided.

Question 5

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.

Answer 5

b. Obtain more information about the patient’s relatives.

The patient may be at increased risk for colon cancer, but the nurse’s first action should be further assessment. The other actions may be appropriate, depending on the information that is obtained from the patient with further questioning.

Question 6

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.”

Answer 6

a. “The cancer involves only the cervix.”

Cancer in situ indicates that the cancer is localized to the cervix and is not invasive at this time. Cell differentiation is not indicated by clinical staging. Because the cancer is in situ, the origin is the cervix. Further testing is not indicated given that the cancer has not spread.

Question 7

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.”

Answer 7

c. “The biopsy will help decide the treatment for my enlarged prostate.”

A biopsy is used to determine whether the prostate enlargement is benign or malignant and determines the type of treatment that will be needed. A biopsy does not give information about metastasis, life expectancy, or the impact of cancer on the patient’s life.

Question 8

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.”

Answer 8

c. “I will need follow-up examinations for many years after treatment before I can be considered cured.”

The risk of recurrence varies by the type of cancer. Some cancers are considered cured after a shorter time span or after surgery, but stage III breast cancer will require additional therapies and ongoing follow-up.

Question 9

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.

Answer 9

b. Decreasing the tumor size will improve the effects of other therapy.

A debulking surgery reduces the size of the tumor and makes radiation and chemotherapy more effective. Debulking surgeries do not control tumor growth. The tumor is debulked because it is attached to the liver, a vital organ (not to relieve pressure on the stomach). Debulking does not sever the sensory nerves, although pain may be lessened by the reduction in pressure on the abdominal organs

Question 10

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.

Answer 10

c. Clean the perianal area carefully after every bowel movement.

Radiation to the abdomen will affect organs in the radiation path, such as the bowel, and cause frequent diarrhea. Careful cleaning of this area will help decrease the risk for skin breakdown and infection. Stools are likely to have occult blood from the inflammation associated with radiation, so routine testing of stools for blood is not indicated. Radiation to the abdomen will not cause stomatitis. A low-residue diet is recommended to avoid irritation of the bowel when patients receive abdominal radiation.

Question 11

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.

Answer 11

b. Establish time to take a short walk almost every day.

Walking programs are used to keep the patient active without excessive fatigue. Having a hospital bed does not necessarily address the fatigue. The better option is to stay as active as possible while combating fatigue. Fatigue is expected during treatment and is not an indication of depression. Minimizing activity may lead to weakness and other complications of immobility.

Question 12

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.

Answer 12

b. The patient swims several days each week.

The patient is instructed to avoid swimming in salt water or chlorinated pools during the treatment period. The patient does not need to change habits of eating frequently or showering with a mild soap. A history of dental caries will not impact the patient who is scheduled for abdominal radiation.

Question 13

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.”

Answer 13

d. “I can buy some aloe vera gel to use on my skin.”

Aloe vera gel and cream may be used on the radiated skin area. Ice and sunlamps may injure the skin. Treatment areas should be cleaned gently to avoid further injury.

Question 14

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.

Answer 14

c. Administer prescribed antiemetics 1 hour before the treatments.

Treatment with antiemetics before chemotherapy may help prevent nausea. The patient should eat small, frequent meals. Offering food and beverages during chemotherapy is likely to cause nausea. The acidity of citrus fruits may be further irritating to the stomach.

Question 15

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.

Answer 15

b. Stop the infusion if swelling is observed at the site.

Swelling at the site may indicate extravasation, and the IV should be stopped immediately. The medication generally should be given slowly to avoid irritation of the vein. The size of the catheter is not as important as administration of vesicants into a running IV line to allow dilution of the chemotherapy drug. These medications can be given through peripheral lines, although central vascular access devices are preferred.

Question 16

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.

Answer 16

b. Encourage the patient to purchase a wig or hat to wear when hair loss begins.

The patient is taught to anticipate hair loss and to be prepared with wigs, scarves, or hats. Limiting social contacts is not appropriate at a time when the patient is likely to need a good social support system. The damage occurs at the hair follicles and will occur regardless of gentle washing or use of a mild shampoo. The information that the hair will grow back is not immediately helpful in maintaining the patient’s self-esteem.

Question 17

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

Answer 17

c. Difficulty coping

The data indicate that difficulty coping with the situation may be present reflected by the poor communication among the family members. The data given does not suggest death anxiety, anxiety, or lack of knowledge as an etiology.

Question 18

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.

Answer 18

d. Rinse the mouth before and after each meal and at bedtime with a saline solution.

The patient should rinse the mouth with a saline solution frequently. A soft toothbrush is used for oral care. Hydrogen peroxide may damage tissues. Antiseptic mouthwashes may irritate the oral mucosa and are not recommended.

Question 19

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.

Answer 19

c. Apply prescribed anesthetic gel to oral lesions before meals.

Because the cause of the patient’s poor nutrition is the painful oral ulcers, the best intervention is to apply anesthetic gel to the lesions before the patient eats. The other actions might be helpful for other patients with impaired nutrition but would not be as helpful for this patient.

Question 20

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. ”

Answer 20

b. “Would you like to talk about options for the care of your children?”

This response expresses the nurse’s willingness to listen and recognizes the patient’s concern. The responses beginning “Many patients with cancer live for a long time” and “For now you need to concentrate on getting well” close off discussion of the topic and indicate that the nurse is uncomfortable with the topic. In addition, the patient with metastatic ovarian cancer may not have a long time to plan. Although it is possible that the patient’s friends will raise the children, more assessment information is needed before making plans.

Question 21

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.

Answer 21

c. The patient takes opioids around the clock on a regular schedule and uses additional doses when breakthrough pain occurs.

For chronic cancer pain, analgesics should be taken on a scheduled basis, with additional doses as needed for breakthrough pain. Taking the medications only when pain reaches a certain level does not provide effective pain control. Although nonopioid analgesics may also be used, there is no maximum dose of opioid. Opioids are given until pain control is achieved. The IV route is not more effective than the oral route, and usually the oral route is preferred.

Question 22

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.

Answer 22

a. IL-2 enhances the body’s immunologic response to tumor cells.

IL-2 enhances the ability of the patient’s own immune response to suppress tumor cells. IL-2 does not protect normal cells from damage caused by chemotherapy, stimulate cancer cells to enter mitosis, or prevent bone marrow depression.

Question 23

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.”

Answer 23

b. “I rarely have the energy to get out of bed.”

Fatigue can be a dose-limiting toxicity for use of immunotherapy. Flu-like symptoms, such as muscle aches and chills, are common side effects with interferon use. Patients are advised to use acetaminophen every 4 hours.

Question 24

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.

Answer 24

b. Hospitalization is required for several weeks after the stem cell transplant.

The patient requires strict protective isolation to prevent infection for 2 to 4 weeks after HSCT while waiting for the transplanted marrow to start producing cells. The transplanted cells are infused through an IV line so the transplant is not painful, nor is an operating room or incision required.

Question 25

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

Answer 25

b. Blueberry yogurt

Yogurt has high biologic value because of the protein and fat content. Fruit salad does not have high amounts of protein or fat. Lime sherbet is lower in fat and protein than yogurt. Cream cheese is low in protein.

Question 26

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.

Answer 26

c. Avoid giving the patient foods that are strongly disliked.

The patient will eat more if disliked foods are avoided and foods that the patient likes are included instead. Additional spice is not usually an effective way to enhance taste. Adding protein powder does not address the issue of taste. The patient’s poor intake is not caused by a lack of information about nutrition.

Question 27

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

Answer 27

b. Anxiety

The patient who has a new cancer diagnosis is likely to have high anxiety, which may affect learning and require that the nurse repeat and reinforce information about health maintenance. There is no evidence to support confusion. The patient asks for the information to be repeated, indicating that denial is not present. The patient has recently been diagnosed, so adherence has not yet been required

Question 28

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.

Answer 28

b. The patient’s visitors bring in fresh peaches.

Fresh, thinned-skin fruits are not permitted in a neutropenic diet because of the risk of bacteria being present. The patient should ambulate in the room rather than the hospital hallway to avoid exposure to other patients or visitors. Because overuse of soap can dry the skin and increase infection risk, showering every other day is acceptable. Careful cleaning after having a bowel movement will help prevent skin breakdown and infection.

Question 29

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?”

Answer 29

c. “Can you tell me what has been helpful when coping with past stressful events?”

Information about how the patient has coped with past stressful situations helps the nurse determine usual coping mechanisms and their effectiveness. The length of time since the diagnosis will not provide much information about the patient’s need for support. The patient’s knowledge of typical stages in adjustment to a critical diagnosis does not provide insight into patient needs for assistance. Because surgical interventions for stage I cancer of the colon may not cause any body image changes, this question is not appropriate at this time.

Question 30

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)

Answer 30

b. Crackles at the lung bases

Capillary leak syndrome and acute pulmonary edema are possible toxic effects of interleukin-2. The patient may need oxygen and the nurse should rapidly notify the health care provider. The other findings are common side effects of interleukin-2.

Question 31

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)

Answer 31

d. Increased carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)

An increase in CEA indicates that the chemotherapy is not effective for the patient’s cancer and may need to be modified. Gastrointestinal adverse effects are common with chemotherapy. The nurse may need to address these, but they would not necessarily indicate a need for a change in therapy. An elevated WBC may indicate infection but does not reflect the effectiveness of the colorectal cancer therapy.

Question 32

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

Answer 32

d. White blood cells (WBC) 2700/μL

The low WBC count places the patient at risk for severe infection and is an indication that the chemotherapy dose may need to be lower or that WBC growth factors such as filgrastim (Neupogen) are needed. Although the other laboratory data indicate decreased levels, they do not indicate any immediate life-threatening adverse effects of the chemotherapy.

Question 33

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.

Answer 33

a. The UAP assists the patient to use dental floss after eating.

Use of dental floss is avoided in patients with pancytopenia because of the risk for infection and bleeding. The other actions are appropriate for oral care of a pancytopenic patient.

Question 34

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.

Answer 34

b. The UAP stands by the patient’s bed for 30 minutes talking with the patient.

Because patients with temporary implants emit radioactivity while the implants are in place, exposure to the patient is limited. Laundry and urine and feces do not have any radioactivity and do not require special precautions. Cervical radiation will not affect the oral mucosa, and alcohol-based mouthwash is not contraindicated.

Question 35

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

Answer 35

c. A 24-yr-old patient who received neck radiation and has blood oozing from the neck

Because neck bleeding may indicate possible carotid artery rupture in a patient who is receiving radiation to the neck, this patient should be seen first. The diagnoses and clinical manifestations for the other patients are not immediately life threatening.

Question 36

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.

Answer 36

a. Suggest use of a daily planner and encourage adequate sleep.

Use of tools to enhance memory and concentration such as a daily planner and adequate rest are helpful for patients who develop “chemo-brain” while receiving chemotherapy. Patients should be encouraged to exercise the brain through new activities. Chemo-brain may be short or long term. There is no urgent need to report common chemotherapy side effects to the provider.

Question 37

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)

Answer 37

a. Shortness of breath

Rituximab (Rituxan) is a monoclonal antibody. Shortness of breath should be investigated rapidly because anaphylaxis is a possible reaction to monoclonal antibody administration. The nurse will need to rapidly take actions such as stopping the infusion, assessing the patient further, and notifying the health care provider. The other findings will also require action by the nurse but are not indicative of life-threatening complications.

Question 38

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.

Answer 38

b. Assess for sensation and strength in the legs.

Spinal cord compression, an oncologic emergency, can occur with invasion of tumor into the
epidural space. The nurse will need to assess the patient further for symptoms such as
decreased leg sensation and strength and then notify the health care provider. Administration
of opioids or the use of relaxation may be appropriate but only after the nurse has assessed for
possible spinal cord compression

Question 39

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

Answer 39

c. Serum sodium of 126 mEq/L

The syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (and the resulting hyponatremia) is an oncologic metabolic emergency and requires rapid treatment to prevent complications such as seizures and coma. The other findings also require intervention but are common in patients with lung cancer and not immediately life threatening.

Question 40

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.

Answer 40

d. Patient has crackles up to the midline posterior chest.

Rapid fluid infusions may cause heart failure, especially in older patients. The other findings are common in patients who have cancer or are receiving chemotherapy.

Question 41

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.

Answer 41

c. Patient who is neutropenic and has a temperature of 100.5° F (38.1° C).

Fever is an emergency in neutropenic patients because of the risk for rapid progression to
severe infections and sepsis. The other patients also require assessments or interventions but
do not need to be assessed as urgently. Patients with thrombocytopenia do not have
spontaneous bleeding until the platelets are 20,000/μL. Xerostomia does not require
immediate intervention. Although breakthrough pain needs to be addressed rapidly, the patient does not appear to have breakthrough pain.

Question 42

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

Answer 42

a. Pap testing
c. Sunscreen use
d. Mammography
e. Colorectal screening

The patient’s age, gender, and history indicate a need for screening and teaching about colorectal cancer, mammography, Pap smears, and sunscreen. The patient does not use tobacco or excessive alcohol, she is physically active, and her body weight is healthy.

Question 43

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.

Answer 43

a. Cook food thoroughly before eating.
c. Avoid public transportation such as buses.
e. Talk to the oncologist before having any dental work.

Eating only cooked food and avoiding public transportation will decrease infection risk. A high-fiber diet is recommended for neutropenic patients to decrease constipation. Because bacteria may enter the circulation during dental work or oral surgery, the patient may need to postpone dental work or take antibiotics.