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

Answer and Explanation

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

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Pain management is an important aspect of postoperative care, particularly after a thoracotomy and lobectomy. However, it is not the highest priority compared to monitoring for potential complications, such as bleeding or respiratory distress, which are more immediately life-threatening.

B. Urinary output is an important indicator of renal function and hydration status. However, in the immediate postoperative period following thoracotomy and lobectomy, monitoring chest tube drainage for excessive bleeding or signs of a complication, like pneumothorax, is more critical for the patient's immediate stability than monitoring urinary output.

C. Tactile fremitus refers to the palpable vibration on the chest wall when a patient speaks. It is helpful in assessing lung consolidation or other lung issues, but it is not as critical to assess immediately in the postoperative phase as monitoring for complications related to chest tube drainage, which is directly linked to the patient's respiratory and hemodynamic status.

D. After a thoracotomy and lobectomy, monitoring chest tube drainage is of utmost importance. The nurse should assess the color, amount, and consistency of drainage to detect any excessive bleeding or signs of a complication like a pneumothorax or hemothorax. Significant drainage (especially >100 mL/hr for several hours) could indicate bleeding, which is a critical postoperative complication that requires immediate intervention.

A. Keep a body map of skin lesions. B. Examine your body every 2 months for lesions C. Limit tanning bed use. D. Avoid the sun after 3pm

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. While it is helpful for individuals to track and monitor skin lesions, keeping a detailed body map may not be a common or necessary recommendation for everyone. Self-monitoring is important, but the focus should be on regular skin checks rather than detailed mapping.
B. The recommended frequency for self-skin exams is monthly, not every 2 months. Regular monthly self-exams are essential for early detection of skin cancer.
C. Tanning beds expose the skin to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which increases the risk of developing skin cancer, especially melanoma. Limiting or avoiding tanning bed use is a key prevention strategy for skin cancer.
D. The sun's UV rays can be strong throughout the day, not just before or after 3pm. The most important guideline for sun safety is to avoid excessive sun exposure, particularly between 10am and 4pm, when UV rays are strongest. Simply avoiding the sun after 3pm is not a sufficient recommendation.

View Question and Answer

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

patient is experiencing bone marrow depression as a result of chemotherapy. Which assessment should the nurse expect because of this health problem?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse in the post-anesthesia care unit is caring for a client who is postoperative following a thoracotomy and lobectomy. Which of the following postoperative assessments should the nurse give highest priority?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is developing an education program about skin cancer for a community center. Which of the following instructions should the nurse plan to include?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is preparing discharge teaching for a client newly diagnosed with cancer who just had a tunneled IV catheter (Hickman) placed. The nurse would include which information in the teaching plan regarding signs and symptoms of infection?

A client is receiving 1000 mL 0.9% NaCl at 80 mL/hr. On arrival to the unit at 1500, the client has 400 mL of IV fluid remaining. At what time should the nurse expect to hang a new bag? (please use military time)

A nurse is preparing a teaching plan for a client who has neutropenia as a result of radiation therapy for the treatment of lung cancer. Which of the following should the nurse plan to include in the teaching?

Which assessment finding requires an immediate intervention by the nurse for the patient after surgery for the treatment of gastric cancer?

The nurse is caring for a client who had a bowel resection for colon cancer. The vital signs were stable during surgery. While in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) the client is sleepy, but awakens easily. The pulse ox is 88%. What would be the priority action by the nurse?

A nurse is educating a client about a recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the client education?

During a routine physical examination, a nurse observes a 1-cm (0.4-in) lesion on a client's chest. The lesion is raised and flesh-colored with pearly white borders. The nurse should recognize that this finding is suggestive of which of the following types of skin cancer?