A woman with breast cancer is undergoing chemotherapy. Which side effect would the nurse interpret as being most serious?
Vomiting
Fatigue
Hair loss
Myelosuppression
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A: Vomiting is not the most serious side effect because it is a common and manageable side effect of chemotherapy. Vomiting is a reflex action that expels the contents of the stomach through the mouth. It can be caused by various factors such as nausea, motion sickness, or infection. It can also be caused by chemotherapy, which can irritate the lining of the stomach or trigger the vomiting center in the brain. Vomiting can be prevented or treated with antiemetic drugs, hydration, and dietary changes.
Choice B: Fatigue is not the most serious side effect because it is a common and manageable side effect of chemotherapy. Fatigue is a condition that causes extreme tiredness or exhaustion that is not relieved by rest or sleep. It can be caused by various factors such as anemia, inflammation, or pain. It can also be caused by chemotherapy, which can damage healthy cells and tissues and affect the body's energy production. Fatigue can be managed with exercise, nutrition, and stress reduction.
Choice C: Hair loss is not the most serious side effect because it is a common and temporary side effect of chemotherapy. Hair loss is a condition that causes hair to fall out from the scalp or other parts of the body. It can be caused by various factors such as genetics, hormones, or infection. It can also be caused by chemotherapy, which can target rapidly dividing cells such as hair follicles and prevent hair growth. Hair loss usually occurs within two to four weeks after starting chemotherapy and reverses within six months after stopping chemotherapy.
Choice D: Myelosuppression is the most serious side effect because it is a rare and life-threatening side effect of chemotherapy. Myelosuppression is a condition that causes a decrease in the production of blood cells in the bone marrow. It can lead to anemia (low red blood cells), neutropenia (low white blood cells), and thrombocytopenia (low platelets), which can cause symptoms such as weakness, infection, and bleeding. It can also be caused by chemotherapy, which can target rapidly dividing cells such as bone marrow cells and impair blood cell formation. Myelosuppression requires close monitoring and treatment with blood transfusions, growth factors, or antibiotics.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: Protrusion of the posterior bladder wall downward through the anterior vaginal wall is not the correct answer because it describes a different condition called cystocele. A cystocele occurs when the bladder pushes into the vagina due to weakened pelvic support structures.
Choice B: Bulging of the small intestine through the posterior vaginal wall is the correct answer because it describes an enterocele. Enterocele occurs when the small intestine slides into a pouch between the rectum and vagina due to weakened pelvic support structures.
Choice C: Descent of the uterus through the pelvic floor into the vagina is not the correct answer because it describes a different condition called uterine prolapse. Uterine prolapse occurs when the uterus drops down into or out of the vagina due to weakened pelvic support structures.
Choice D: Sagging of the rectum with the pressure exerted against the posterior vaginal wall is not the correct answer because it describes a different condition called rectocele. Rectocele occurs when the rectum bulges into or out of the vagina due to weakened pelvic support structures.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: "Information about a client can be disclosed to family members at any time." This statement indicates a need for further teaching because it is false and violates HIPAA. HIPAA protects the privacy and security of clients' health information and limits who can access or share it without their consent. Information about a client can only be disclosed to family members if they are involved in the client's care or payment, or if the client gives permission.
Choice B: "HIPAA established regulations of individually identifiable health information in verbal, electronic, or written form." This statement does not indicate a need for further teaching because it is true and reflects HIPAA. HIPAA defines individually identifiable health information as any information that relates to the past, present, or future physical or mental health or condition of an individual; the provision of health care to an individual; or the past, present, or future payment for the provision of health care to an individual; and that identifies the individual or for which there is a reasonable basis to believe it can be used to identify the individual.
Choice C: "HIPAA is a federal law, not a state law." This statement does not indicate a need for further teaching because it is true and reflects HIPAA. HIPAA is a federal law that was enacted in 1996 by Congress and signed by President Clinton. It applies to all states and territories of the United States. However, some states may have additional or stricter laws that protect clients' health information.
Choice D: "A client's address would be an example of personally identifiable information." This statement does not indicate a need for further teaching because it is true and reflects HIPAA. HIPAA lists 18 identifiers that can be used to identify an individual, such as name, address, phone number, email address, social security number, medical record number, or biometric identifiers. A client's address is one of these identifiers and must be protected under HIPAA.
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