Ms. Smith, a 48 year-old female, is being treated for cancer with chemotherapy with medications that routinely cause myelosuppression. Which lab values would the RN need to especially monitor?
Cardiac Enzymes
Complete Blood Count with differential
Chemistry Profile
Liver Function Tests
The Correct Answer is B
A. Cardiac Enzymes
Cardiac enzymes are markers used to assess heart health and are not directly related to myelosuppression caused by chemotherapy. Monitoring cardiac enzymes is important for assessing heart function but is not the primary concern in the context of myelosuppression.
B. Complete Blood Count with differential
This is the correct choice. The complete blood count (CBC) with differential provides information about the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Since myelosuppression affects blood cell production, monitoring the CBC with differential is crucial to detect and manage any abnormalities in these cell counts.
C. Chemistry Profile
A chemistry profile typically includes measurements of electrolytes, kidney function, and other metabolic parameters. While monitoring overall health is important, the specific concern with myelosuppression and chemotherapy is related to blood cell counts. Therefore, a complete blood count (CBC) is more directly relevant in this context than a chemistry profile.
D. Liver Function Tests
Liver function tests assess the health of the liver and are not directly related to myelosuppression caused by chemotherapy. These tests are important in certain situations, but they do not provide information about blood cell counts, which are the primary concern when dealing with myelosuppression.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "My provider will prescribe prophylactic antibiotics."
While antibiotics may be prescribed if there is a bacterial infection or exacerbation, they are not typically used prophylactically in all cases of mild emphysema.
B. "My condition is reversible with proper medications."
Emphysema is a chronic and typically irreversible condition. While medications can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life, they do not generally reverse the damage caused by emphysema.
C. "I should use albuterol (Proventil) when my symptoms worsen."
Albuterol (Proventil) is a short-acting beta-agonist bronchodilator, and it is commonly used as a rescue inhaler to provide quick relief of symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing in patients with conditions like emphysema. Using albuterol as needed during symptom exacerbations aligns with appropriate management of mild emphysema.
D. "I will need to take oral prednisone on a daily basis."
Daily use of oral prednisone is not a standard treatment for mild emphysema. Prednisone is a corticosteroid that may be used in certain situations, such as during exacerbations, but its long-term use carries potential risks and is generally avoided unless necessary.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "The client’s degree of nausea."
The client's degree of nausea is a side effect of chemotherapy, but it is not a major obstacle to successful chemotherapy in the broader sense. Nausea can often be managed with antiemetic medications, and it is generally considered a manageable aspect of chemotherapy care.
B. "The patient’s reluctance about the doses administered."
Patient compliance and acceptance of the prescribed treatment are important factors in the success of chemotherapy. However, while patient reluctance can be a challenge, it is not considered a major obstacle to chemotherapy as there are strategies and interventions to address issues related to patient understanding, fears, or concerns.
C. "The toxicity of anticancer drugs to normal tissues."
This is the correct answer. The toxicity of anticancer drugs to normal tissues is a major obstacle in chemotherapy. While the drugs aim to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells, they can also affect healthy cells, leading to side effects and complications. Striking a balance between effective cancer treatment and minimizing harm to normal tissues is a key challenge in chemotherapy.
D. "The difficulty of maintaining venous access."
Maintaining venous access can be a logistical challenge in chemotherapy, but it is not considered a major obstacle to successful treatment. While it is important for delivering chemotherapy drugs, there are various methods and technologies to address issues related to venous access, such as the use of central venous catheters or ports.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
