A nurse is providing education and information to a patient with lymphoma.
Which of the following topics should the nurse include in the education process?

Choice A rationale:

Lymphoma is characterized by the abnormal proliferation of lymphocytes, not their apoptosis.

In lymphoma, lymphocytes become altered and undergo uncontrolled growth, leading to the formation of a tumor mass.

Choice B rationale:

This is the correct answer.

In lymphoma, altered lymphocytes proliferate and form a tumor mass.

This abnormal proliferation of lymphocytes is a key process in the development of lymphoma.

Choice C rationale:

The tumor mass in lymphoma does not inhibit angiogenesis.

In fact, it may induce angiogenesis to supply nutrients to the growing tumor.

Angiogenesis is the process of forming new blood vessels, and it is often seen in tumors to ensure their blood supply.

Choice D rationale:

Lymphoma tumor cells can spread beyond the lymphatic system to other parts of the body.

This spread is a significant concern in lymphoma, as it can lead to metastasis.

Therefore, this statement is not accurate.

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.