Question 1

The nurse would assess a client receiving chemotherapy that carries a risk of neurotoxicity for which of the following signs of encephalopathy?

Accepted Answer

Disorientation is a sign of encephalopathy, which is a potential complication of neurotoxic chemotherapy. Hearing loss, ataxia, and paresthesias are all possible adverse effects of chemotherapy, but they are not specific indicators of encephalopathy.

Question 2

The nurse would remove which of the following desserts from the meal tray of a client who has bone marrow suppression as a result of chemotherapy for cancer?

Accepted Answer

Fresh peach could introduce bacteria or other pathogens to a client with bone marrow suppression due to chemotherapy, as their immune system is compromised. Cooked or processed foods like vanilla pudding, baked apple, and gelatin are generally safer options.

Question 3

A client who is receiving chemotherapy to treat cancer also has an order for allopurinol (Zyloprim).The nurse expects that the client's therapy is elevating which of the following laboratory test results?

Accepted Answer

Allopurinol is a medication used to prevent gout and kidney stones by decreasing the production of uric acid in the body. This medication is also used in cancer treatment because some chemotherapy agents can cause high levels of uric acid in the blood, which can lead to kidney damage. Therefore, if a client is receiving chemotherapy and also has an order for allopurinol, it is expected that the medication is being given to prevent elevated levels of uric acid. Potassium levels may be affected by chemotherapy or other medications, but not specifically by allopurinol. Blood urea nitrogen and prothrombin time are not related to allopurinol therapy.

Question 4

The nurse should encourage the client who has impaired oral mucous membranes caused by cancer chemotherapy to use which of the following liquids as a mouth rinse?

Accepted Answer

Normal saline is the best choice for a client with impaired oral mucous membranes caused by cancer chemotherapy. It can help to moisturize the mouth, reduce inflammation, and prevent infections. Mouthwash with alcohol, hydrogen peroxide mixture, and lemon-flavored mouthwash can further irritate the already sensitive oral mucous membranes.

Question 5

The nurse is assigned to the care of a client who is receiving cancer chemotherapy and has thrombocytopenia from bone marrow suppression as an adverse effect.The nurse should do which of the following in the care of this client?

Accepted Answer

Thrombocytopenia means the client has a low platelet count, which leads to an increased risk of bleeding. Using nail clippers can increase the risk of bleeding, so encouraging the client to use a nail file is a safer option. Using dental floss can also increase the risk of bleeding gums, so it should be avoided. Taking the temperature rectally and administering medication intramuscularly can increase the risk of bleeding, so these routes should also be avoided if possible.

Question 6

The nurse is working with a client who has diarrhea as an adverse effect of chemotherapy being administered as treatment for cancer.The nurse plans with the dietitian to provide the client with which of the following diets?

Accepted Answer

The client's diarrhea indicates the need for a low-residue diet to decrease bowel movements and minimize the stimulation of the intestines. The high-protein and high-calorie diet are needed to provide adequate nutrition and energy for the body to heal from cancer and to tolerate the chemotherapy. The addition of low-fat foods also helps to decrease stimulation of the intestines and encourages adequate nutrient absorption. The option A (High-residue, low-fat, high-calorie) is incorrect because it includes high-residue foods that can worsen diarrhea. The option C (High-residue, low-protein, and moderate-calorie) is incorrect because it contains low protein that is not sufficient for healing and does not meet the body's demands for minerals and vitamins during cancer treatment. The option D (Low-residue, high-fat, and moderate-calorie) is incorrect because it contains high-fat foods that can worsen diarrhea, and it lacks enough protein and necessary vitamins and minerals that are vital for healing and energy needs of the body during chemotherapy.

Question 7

Which of the following strategies for managing nausea and vomiting should the nurse offer to a client who is receiving chemotherapy as treatment for cancer?

Accepted Answer

Hot foods can often exacerbate nausea due to their smell, which tends to be stronger and more pervasive than that of cold foods. Avoiding hot foods can help reduce the incidence and severity of nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy patients.

Question 8

The nurse would select which of the following nursing diagnoses as being most pertinent to a client who finished a course of chemotherapy for cancer and has now developed anemia?

Accepted Answer

Anemia causes decreased oxygen carrying capacity which often leads to feelings of fatigue and weakness. Impaired gas exchange would more pertain to a client with respiratory issues, risk for injury could apply but is not as directly related as fatigue, and anxiety may be relevant but is not as specific to the physical effects of anemia.

Question 9

A client has undergone treatment for cancer and is scheduled for follow-up chemotherapy.The nurse reviews the medical record to ensure that at least how much time has passed since the last radiation treatment to ensure client safety?

Accepted Answer

It is generally recommended that at least 4 weeks (or 28 days) pass between the last radiation treatment and the start of chemotherapy to allow for the body to recover and reduce the risk of toxicity. This time frame may vary depending on the specific type and dose of radiation received, so it is important for the nurse to review the client's medical record to confirm the appropriate time frame.

Question 10

A client receiving chemotherapy as treatment for cancer has developed granulocytopenia.The nurse would avoid doing which of the following as part of the care of this client?

Accepted Answer

Acetaminophen can cause liver damage in clients with granulocytopenia.

Quiz 55: Principles of Antineoplastic Chemotherapy