A nurse is preparing a client who is to receive chemotherapy for the treatment of breast cancer. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Have the client floss 4 times daily.
Have the client swish with commercial mouthwash before therapy.
Tell the client to expect dark stools following chemotherapy.
Administer an antiemetic prior to the procedure.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason : Having the client floss 4 times daily is not typically recommended during chemotherapy because their gums may be more prone to bleeding due to a decrease in platelets, which is a common side effect of chemotherapy¹. Instead, gentle oral care is advised to prevent damage to the oral mucosa.
Choice B reason : Having the client swish with commercial mouthwash before therapy is not generally recommended because many commercial mouthwashes contain alcohol, which can be irritating to the mucous membranes and may exacerbate chemotherapy-induced mucositis¹. Instead, a saline rinse or a prescribed mouthwash without alcohol may be used to help manage oral hygiene during chemotherapy.
Choice C reason : Telling the client to expect dark stools following chemotherapy could be misleading. While some chemotherapy drugs can cause changes in stool color, dark stools can also indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, which requires immediate medical attention¹. Therefore, patients should be instructed to report any significant changes in stool color to their healthcare provider.
Choice D reason : Administering an antiemetic prior to the procedure is a standard practice to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy¹. Antiemetics are medications that can help control these common side effects, improving the patient's comfort and ability to tolerate the treatment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason : Bradykinesia refers to the slowness of movement and is commonly associated with Parkinson's disease, not meningitis. It is characterized by a gradual loss of spontaneous movement and can affect the ability to initiate and continue movements¹.
Choice B reason : Brudzinski's sign is a clinical sign that suggests meningitis when neck flexion causes reflex flexion of the hips and knees. It occurs due to meningeal irritation caused by spinal cord movement or nerves against the meninges¹. This sign is considered positive when passive flexion of the neck results in reflex flexion of the hips and knees, indicating meningeal irritation².
Choice C reason : Kernig's sign is another clinical sign used to evaluate for meningitis. It involves extending and straightening one knee while the individual lies on their back with their hips and knees bent at a 90-degree angle. A positive Kernig’s sign indicates pain or resistance when the leg is extended, which suggests meningitis³. However, it is not the condition described in the scenario.
Choice D reason : Nuchal rigidity is an inability to flex the neck forward due to rigidity of the neck muscles. While it is a sign of meningitis, it does not involve the involuntary flexion of the legs as described in the scenario. Nuchal rigidity is typically assessed by attempting to flex the patient's neck forward while they are in a supine position⁴.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason : Fibromyalgia can indeed be associated with migraine headaches. Many individuals with fibromyalgia report experiencing headaches, and migraines are a common comorbidity. The exact link between fibromyalgia and migraines is not fully understood, but it is believed that the same abnormalities in neurotransmitter levels that contribute to fibromyalgia pain may also predispose individuals to migraines¹².
Choice B reason : The statement "Fibromyalgia causes joint inflammation" is incorrect and indicates a need for further teaching. Fibromyalgia does not cause inflammation within the joints. It is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in specific areas, but it does not involve the type of joint inflammation seen in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis¹². This misconception may arise because the symptoms can be similar to those of arthritic conditions, but the underlying mechanisms are different.
Choice C reason : Fibromyalgia may indeed cause chest pain, which is often referred to as costochondritis when it involves the cartilage of the rib cage. This chest pain can mimic that of a heart attack or other heart conditions, but it is actually a common symptom of fibromyalgia and is related to the tender points in the chest area¹².
Choice D reason : It is true that fibromyalgia symptoms may worsen depending on the weather. Many patients report that their symptoms flare up in response to changes in weather, temperature, and humidity. However, the reasons for this sensitivity are not entirely clear, and research on the subject has produced mixed results¹².
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