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:
Administer intravenous fluids as prescribed.
Lymphoma patients may experience fluid and electrolyte imbalances due to factors such as nausea, vomiting, and treatment-related side effects.
Administering intravenous fluids as prescribed can help maintain hydration and electrolyte balance, especially if the patient is unable to tolerate oral intake.
Choice B rationale:
Encourage the patient to consume caffeine and alcohol.
Encouraging the consumption of caffeine and alcohol is not appropriate for a patient with lymphoma who needs to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance.
Both caffeine and alcohol can have diuretic effects and may worsen dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Choice C rationale:
Teach the patient to report signs of imbalance.
Educating the patient to report signs of fluid and electrolyte imbalance is important for early detection and intervention.
However, this alone is not sufficient as an intervention.
Actual measures to address the imbalance, such as administering fluids or adjusting the treatment plan, should be implemented based on the patient's condition.
Choice D rationale:
Administer diuretics as prescribed.
Administering diuretics should not be the first-line intervention for a patient with lymphoma who is at risk of fluid and electrolyte imbalance.
Diuretics can exacerbate these imbalances and should only be used when medically necessary and under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Administer antibiotics as prescribed.
Patients with lymphoma often have compromised immune systems due to their disease and its treatment, making them susceptible to infections.
Administering antibiotics as prescribed is appropriate to prevent and treat infections in these patients.
It helps in reducing the risk of complications associated with infections, such as sepsis.
Choice B rationale:
Administer platelet transfusions as prescribed.
Lymphoma patients may experience bleeding tendencies, including thrombocytopenia, which can result from the disease itself or its treatment.
Platelet transfusions can help manage bleeding and prevent hemorrhage in these patients by increasing their platelet counts.
Choice E rationale:
Teach the patient to report signs of bleeding such as bruising.
Educating the patient to report signs of bleeding, such as bruising, is essential in lymphoma care.
Early detection and intervention can prevent complications associated with bleeding disorders.
This proactive approach allows healthcare providers to assess and manage the patient's condition promptly.
Choice C rationale:
Teach the patient to avoid hand hygiene.
Avoiding hand hygiene is not an appropriate intervention for a patient with lymphoma.
Hand hygiene is crucial in preventing infections in healthcare settings.
Encouraging patients to practice proper hand hygiene is essential for infection control.
Therefore, this choice is incorrect in this context.
Choice D rationale:
Administer antivirals as prescribed.
Administering antivirals is not a standard intervention for all lymphoma patients.
The use of antivirals would depend on specific indications or infections.
It is not a routine preventive measure in lymphoma care, so this choice is not appropriate.
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