patient is experiencing bone marrow depression as a result of chemotherapy. Which assessment should the nurse expect because of this health problem?
platelet count of 50.000
nausea and vomiting
temperature of 38.9 C (102F)
alopecia
The Correct Answer is C
A. Platelet count of 50,000 is low (normal is usually 150,000-450,000), and this can be associated with bone marrow depression caused by chemotherapy. However, bone marrow depression itself doesn't cause a fever directly. The low platelet count increases the risk of bleeding, but it wouldn't necessarily lead to a temperature elevation by itself.
B. Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of chemotherapy but are not directly related to bone marrow depression. Bone marrow depression typically affects the production of blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets), but nausea and vomiting are more directly associated with the chemotherapy agents themselves rather than the resulting bone marrow suppression.
C. A fever of 38.9°C (102°F) could indicate an infection, which is a serious risk for patients with bone marrow depression due to chemotherapy. The suppression of white blood cell (WBC) production from chemotherapy leads to neutropenia, leaving the patient more vulnerable to infections. A fever in this context is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention, as it may signify a bacterial or fungal infection, which could be life-threatening in an immunocompromised patient.
D. Alopecia (hair loss) is a well-known side effect of chemotherapy, but it is not a direct consequence of bone marrow depression. It is more related to the chemotherapy drugs affecting rapidly dividing cells, like those in hair follicles. While it is a common and distressing symptom, it is not an indicator of bone marrow function or depression.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Renal impairment is not a common complication directly associated with radiation therapy for esophageal cancer. Radiation typically affects the targeted area and surrounding tissues, not the kidneys.
B. A profound feeling of tiredness (fatigue) is a common side effect of radiation therapy, as it affects the body's energy levels, but it is generally expected and not necessarily a sign of a complication.
C. Weight loss is a common symptom of esophageal cancer itself due to difficulty swallowing and poor nutrition, as well as a side effect of radiation therapy. However, it is not necessarily an indication of a complication but rather a normal symptom of the disease and its treatment.
D. Radiation therapy can cause bone marrow suppression, which impacts the production of blood cells. This is a serious complication and can lead to anemia, leukopenia, or thrombocytopenia, increasing the risk of infections, bleeding, and fatigue. Therefore, development of bone marrow suppression would be a critical finding to address.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Neurogenic shock is characterized by hypotension due to loss of sympathetic tone, leading to vasodilation. Intravenous fluids like Lactated Ringers are commonly prescribed to increase blood volume and support blood pressure.
B. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker, which reduces heart rate and blood pressure. It would not be used in neurogenic shock, where the goal is to improve blood pressure and cardiac output.
C. Epinephrine is a vasopressor and can be used to help increase blood pressure and heart rate in shock states, including neurogenic shock. It helps in vasoconstriction and improving perfusion.
D. Dopamine is another vasopressor and inotropic agent that can be used to improve blood pressure and cardiac output in neurogenic shock. It works by stimulating the heart and constricting blood vessels.
E. Furosemide is a diuretic, and would not typically be used in neurogenic shock. In fact, it may worsen hypoperfusion by decreasing circulating blood volume. Diuretics are usually used for conditions like heart failure or fluid overload, not shock management
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