Pediatric Cancer Flashcards
ALL
Which signs and symptoms would the nurse expect when assessing a 4-year-old child with newly diagnosed acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)? Select all that apply.
SATA
Anorexia
Petechiae
Anorexia occurs as a result oft of a catabolic alterations of metabolism caused by the cancer. Bone marrow depression (also caused by the cancer) will reduce the platelet count, which results in bleeding tendencies, petechiae, and ecchymoses.
Wilms Tumor
Which intervention would the nurse include in the care of a child with Wilms tumor?
Monitoring blood pressure
Blood pressure monitoring is important because the tumor is of renal origin and the renin-angiotensis mechanism may be involved.
Neutropenic Precautions
Which interventions would the nurse implement to prevent infection in a preschool child with acute nonlymphoid leukemia who is admitted with a fever and neutropenia?
Placing the child in a private room, restricting ill visitors, and using strict hand-washing techniques
CHildren with leukemia most often die of infection; a low neutrophil count is associated with myelosuppresant therapy. Placing the child in a private room, restricting ill visitors, and using strict hand-washing techniques are the best ways to minimize complications.
Amputation
Which response would the nurse give when an adolescent who has had a leg amputated because of bone cancer begins to experience phantom limb sensations?
By acknowledging that the pain is real and administering medication to relieve it
Pain medication is required, along with intensive supportive nursing care. To the client the pain is real, requiring pain medication; addiction is not a concern at this time.
ALL
Which clinical findings would the nurse anticipate when assessing a child with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia? Select all that apply
SATA
Pallor
Fatigue
Multiple bruises
Pallor is the result of anemia associated with leukemia. Fatigue is the result of anemia associated with leukemia. Multiple bruises are the result of thrombocytopenia associated with leukemia.
Leukemia
A child with leukemia is to be discharged home on a protocol that includes several antineoplastic medications. Which would the nurse plan to teach the parent?
Notify the practitioner if the child has a temperature of 100ºF (37.8ºF) to obtain an antibiotic prescription.
The child with a low white blood cell (WBC) count does not show the usual signs of infection, including fever, inflammation, and drainage. Any low-grade temperature or other subtle sign or symptom must be reported immediately so an antibiotic may be prescribed.
Wilms Tumor
Which sign would the nurse place at the bedside of a child admitted with a diagnosis of Wilms tumor?
Do not palpate the abdomen
Palpation increases the risk of tumor rupture and is contraindicated.
Hodgkin Lymphoma
Which important factor would the nurse discuss with the family of an adolescent undergoing radiation for Hodgkin lymphoma?
Overwhelming fatigue and the need for rest
The major side effects of radiation therapy is overwhelming fatigue.
Chemotherapy
Which consideration is most important when formulating a plan of care for a child undergoing chemotherapy?
Preventing infection
Chemotherapy suppresses the immune system; the child is in danger of contracting an overwhelming infection
Chemotherapy
How can the nurse best manage a common side effect of chemotherapy?
Providing meticulous oral hygiene
Children undergoing chemotherapy are prone to mucosal cell damage that can produce ulcers throughout the gastrointestinal tract; oral ulcers are a common side effect and can cause extreme discomfort.
