A client is scheduled to receive chemotherapy drugs that will cause myelosuppression. Which action by the nurse will be most important?
Evaluate gastrointestinal function.
Assess for evidence of cardiac compromise.
Question about changes in taste or smell.
Monitor for temperature changes.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Evaluate gastrointestinal function:
While gastrointestinal function is important to assess for side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea and vomiting, monitoring for potential infection (fever) takes precedence in the context of myelosuppressive chemotherapy.
B. Assess for evidence of cardiac compromise:
Myelosuppression primarily affects the hematopoietic system, and assessing for cardiac compromise is not the priority in this situation.
C. Question about changes in taste or smell:
Changes in taste or smell are common side effects of chemotherapy, but they are not as critical as monitoring for signs of infection, especially fever.
D. Monitor for temperature changes:
Myelosuppression refers to the suppression of the bone marrow's ability to produce blood cells, including white blood cells. Neutropenia, a common side effect of myelosuppressive chemotherapy, increases the risk of infection. Fever may be the only early sign of infection in immunocompromised patients, and it can progress rapidly. Therefore, monitoring for temperature changes is crucial to identify and address potential infections promptly.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
A. Chest X-rays
Chest X-rays are imaging tests that provide detailed pictures of the inside of the chest, including the heart, lungs, and other structures. They are noninvasive as they do not involve any penetration or insertion into the body.
B. Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is a noninvasive test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart. It provides information about the structure and function of the heart without the need for invasive procedures.
C. Pulmonary function tests
Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are noninvasive tests that assess the function of the lungs. They include various breathing exercises and measurements to evaluate lung capacity and respiratory function.
D. Cardiac catheterization
Cardiac catheterization is an invasive procedure that involves the insertion of a catheter into the heart. It is not considered noninvasive.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Kill cancer cells and normal cells
This describes the general mechanism of traditional chemotherapy, which targets rapidly dividing cells. Unlike targeted therapies, traditional chemotherapy does not selectively target specific molecules or pathways in cancer cells, leading to a broader impact on both cancer cells and normal cells.
B. Increase neutrophils to fight infection
This does not describe the mechanism of targeted therapies. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell involved in the immune response to infection. Targeted therapies primarily focus on blocking specific molecular pathways involved in cancer cell growth and survival.
C. Target the spread of infection
This option is not an accurate description of how targeted therapies treat cancer. The primary goal of targeted therapies is to interfere with specific molecular processes in cancer cells, not to target the spread of infection.
D. Block specific cancer cell growth on the molecular level
This is the correct answer. Targeted therapies are designed to block or interfere with specific molecules or pathways involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells. By targeting these specific aspects of cancer cell biology, targeted therapies aim to inhibit the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells while minimizing damage to normal cells.
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