A nurse is caring for a patient with suspected lymphoma.
The patient complains of painless swelling of multiple lymph nodes in the neck and armpit.
What other symptoms should the nurse assess for in this patient?
"I have been experiencing night sweats recently.”
"I have gained weight over the last few months.”
"I have a constant cough that won't go away.”
"I have been feeling weak and fatigued.”
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Night sweats are one of the B-symptoms associated with lymphoma.
B-symptoms are systemic symptoms that include night sweats, unexplained weight loss, and fever.
These symptoms can be indicative of lymphoma, and their presence should be assessed in a patient with suspected lymphoma.
Choice B rationale:
Unexplained weight loss is another B-symptom commonly associated with lymphoma.
It can be a sign of lymphoma-related metabolic changes.
Assessing weight loss is important in evaluating a patient with suspected lymphoma.
Choice C rationale:
A constant cough that won't go away is not typically associated with lymphoma.
While lymphoma can cause respiratory symptoms if it involves lymph nodes in the chest, such as mediastinal lymph nodes, a persistent cough is not a primary symptom.
Choice D rationale:
Feeling weak and fatigued can be a non-specific symptom seen in various medical conditions, including lymphoma.
However, it is not a B-symptom and does not specifically point to lymphoma.
While fatigue can be associated with the disease, it is essential to consider other symptoms like night sweats and unexplained weight loss when assessing a patient for lymphoma.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
When assessing a patient with lymphoma, it is crucial to gather information about the characteristics of their symptoms.
Lymphoma symptoms can vary widely depending on the type, stage, and location of the cancer.
Understanding the specific symptoms, such as fatigue, night sweats, enlarged lymph nodes, unexplained weight loss, and itching, can help the nurse assess the severity and progression of the disease.
This information guides the healthcare team in making a diagnosis, determining the appropriate treatment plan, and monitoring the patient's response to treatment.
Choice B rationale:
"Do you have a family history of cardiovascular disease?" While family history is important for assessing the risk of various health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, it is not the primary concern when assessing a patient with lymphoma.
Lymphoma is a type of cancer, and the focus should be on gathering information related to cancer symptoms and risk factors.
Choice C rationale:
"Have you ever had surgery?" The patient's surgical history may be relevant for their overall health assessment, but it is not the top priority when assessing a patient with lymphoma.
The nurse should first focus on collecting information directly related to lymphoma symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
Choice D rationale:
"What is your favorite type of food?" The patient's food preferences are not relevant to the assessment of lymphoma.
This question does not provide essential information for evaluating the patient's condition or developing an appropriate care plan.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice B rationale:
Providing comfort measures, such as cool compresses and lotion application, is an appropriate nursing intervention to address pain and itching in a client with lymphoma.
Itching is a common symptom in some lymphomas, and these measures can help soothe the skin and alleviate discomfort.
Administering analgesics (as mentioned in choice A) may be necessary for pain relief, but it is not the primary intervention for itching.
Choice A rationale:
"I will administer analgesics and antipyretics as prescribed." Administering analgesics (pain relievers) can be a helpful intervention if the client is experiencing pain, but it may not effectively address itching.
Antipyretics (fever-reducing medications) are not relevant to addressing pain and itching in lymphoma patients unless they have a fever as well.
Choice C rationale:
"I will recommend avoiding all physical activity." While it may be necessary for some patients to limit physical activity during certain phases of lymphoma treatment, recommending complete avoidance of physical activity is not a standard intervention for addressing pain and itching associated with lymphoma.
In fact, gentle movement and exercises may be beneficial for maintaining mobility and overall well-being.
Choice D rationale:
"I will perform surgery to alleviate the pain and itching." Surgical intervention is not a primary or standard approach for addressing pain and itching in lymphoma patients.
Surgery is typically reserved for specific cases, such as lymph node biopsy or removal, and would not be the first-line treatment for these symptoms.
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