The nurse is aware that the client with a brain tumor can be medically managed with which treatments? Select all that apply
Chemotherapy
Radiation
Surgery
Bone marrow transplant
Blood transfusion
Correct Answer : A,B,C
Medical management of brain tumors often involves a multimodal approach aimed at reducing tumor size, controlling symptoms, and preventing complications. Surgery is commonly performed for tumor removal or debulking, while radiation therapy targets residual or inoperable tumor tissue. Chemotherapy may be used, although its effectiveness is limited by the blood-brain barrier. Treatments like bone marrow transplant or blood transfusion are not part of routine brain tumor management.
Rationale for correct answers:
A. Chemotherapy: Certain agents can cross the blood-brain barrier to shrink or slow tumor growth. It is typically used for malignant or recurrent tumors in combination with other therapies.
B. Radiation: This therapy targets tumor tissue that cannot be completely removed surgically. It helps prevent regrowth and manage inoperable tumors.
C. Surgery: Surgical removal or debulking is often the first step in management. It reduces mass effect and relieves symptoms of increased intracranial pressure.
Rationale for incorrect answers:
D. Bone marrow transplant: This is used for hematologic cancers like leukemia or lymphoma. It does not treat primary brain tumors.
E. Blood transfusion: Transfusions correct anemia but have no effect on tumor treatment. They are only supportive if the patient is critically anemic or undergoing major surgery.
Take home points
- Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are the mainstays of brain tumor management.
- Supportive therapies like transfusions do not treat the tumor itself.
- Multimodal treatment is used to reduce tumor burden, relieve symptoms, and prevent recurrence.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) occurs when the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid rises within the rigid skull. This condition leads to impaired cerebral perfusion, which can quickly progress to brain herniation if unaddressed. Early recognition of signs and symptoms is critical for preventing permanent neurological damage. Common early findings include changes in mental status, behavioral changes, headache, and pupil abnormalities, which reflect pressure on brain tissue and cranial nerves.
Rationale for correct answers:
A. Disoriented to time and place: Confusion and disorientation are early indicators of cerebral hypoperfusion. They reflect rising ICP affecting the cerebral cortex.
B. Restlessness and irritability: These are early behavioral changes caused by decreased cerebral oxygenation and pressure on brain tissue. They often precede more severe neurological deterioration.
C. Unequal pupils: Indicates pressure on cranial nerve III or brain herniation risk. Pupil asymmetry is a critical neurologic warning sign.
E. Headache: A common manifestation of stretching meninges and pressure changes. It often worsens with coughing, straining, or position changes.
Rationale for incorrect answer:
D. ICP 15 mmHg: Normal ICP ranges from 10–15 mmHg, so 15 is at the upper limit but not elevated. Clinically significant ICP is typically >20 mmHg.
Take home points
- Early signs of ICP increase include confusion, restlessness, headache, and pupil changes.
- Unequal pupils are an emergency indicator of possible herniation.
- ICP is considered elevated above 20 mmHg, requiring prompt intervention.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Brain tumors that grow rapidly can compress or displace surrounding structures. The falx cerebri is a rigid fold of dura mater that separates the two cerebral hemispheres and acts as a barrier to tumor expansion across the midline. This dural structure temporarily slows tumor spread into the opposite hemisphere, although pressure can eventually cause midline shift or herniation. Understanding the role of intracranial anatomy is important in predicting tumor progression and complications.
Rationale for correct answer:
B. Falx cerebri: A strong dural fold that separates the cerebral hemispheres. It limits early tumor expansion across the midline until pressure forces tissue displacement.
Rationale for incorrect answers:
A. Ventricles: These structures contain CSF and may become compressed but do not block tumor growth. Tumor expansion can eventually distort or obstruct them, leading to hydrocephalus.
C. Arachnoid layer: A thin meningeal membrane that encloses the subarachnoid space. It is not structurally strong enough to prevent tumor spread.
D. Tentorium cerebelli: This dural fold separates the cerebrum from the cerebellum. It limits downward expansion, not horizontal spread between hemispheres.
Take home points
- The falx cerebri provides a temporary barrier to tumor growth across hemispheres.
- Ventricles and meninges do not significantly resist tumor expansion.
- Anatomical barriers influence tumor progression and patterns of brain herniation.
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