The nurse is caring for a client with uterine cancer who is being treated with brachytherapy. The UAP reports that the client ambulated to the restroom and is now reporting, "something feels like it’s coming out." What is the nurse's priority action?

Assess for dislodgement and use forceps to retrieve the dislodged pellets and place in the lead container.

Assess the patient's knowledge of the treatment plan and her willingness to participate.

Assess the UP's knowledge and explain the rationale for strict bed rest.

Notify the physician about the potential dislodgment of the radiation implant.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A) Assess for dislodgement and use forceps to retrieve the dislodged pellets and place in the lead container:
The priority action when a patient is receiving brachytherapy for uterine cancer is to assess for potential dislodgement of the radioactive implant. If the radiation source has been displaced, it must be handled carefully to prevent radiation exposure to the nurse, other patients, and staff. The nurse should use forceps to carefully retrieve the dislodged pellets and place them in a lead container to prevent contamination.

B) Assess the patient's knowledge of the treatment plan and her willingness to participate:
While it is important to assess the patient's understanding of the treatment plan and her willingness to participate, this is not the immediate priority in this situation. The nurse’s first priority is to address the potential risk of radiation exposure due to the dislodgement of the implant.

C) Assess the UAP's knowledge and explain the rationale for strict bed rest:
Although it is important for the nurse to ensure that all team members, including UAPs, understand the rationale for strict bed rest during brachytherapy, this action is not the most immediate priority in this scenario. The potential dislodgement of the radiation implant requires urgent assessment and intervention.

D) Notify the physician about the potential dislodgment of the radiation implant:
Notifying the physician about the dislodgement is an important step, but it is not the first action the nurse should take. The immediate priority is to assess and secure the radiation implant using appropriate protocols. Once the dislodged pellets have been safely contained in the lead container, the nurse should then notify the physician for further guidance on the next steps in treatment or care.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Retake the vital signs:
While taking vital signs is important, the client’s vital signs (respiratory rate of 13 bpm, oxygen saturation of 92%, and normal skin color) suggest that there is no immediate crisis, such as a sudden drop in oxygen saturation or significant hemodynamic instability. Therefore, retaking the vital signs would not address the most urgent issue at the moment, which is the client's shortness of breath while laying down.

B) Call the healthcare provider:
Calling the healthcare provider may eventually be necessary if the patient's condition worsens or remains unrelieved after interventions. However, the first priority should be to manage the client’s immediate symptoms and improve their comfort. The client’s complaint of shortness of breath when lying down suggests that the positioning may be a contributing factor to their discomfort.

C) Place the client in Fowler's position:
The most appropriate first action for a client with end-stage COPD and shortness of breath while lying down is to place the client in Fowler's position. This position (sitting upright, typically at a 45-60° angle) helps to improve lung expansion and reduce the workload of breathing by using gravity to assist in lung ventilation. It also promotes diaphragmatic breathing, which can relieve the feeling of breathlessness.

D) Increase the oxygen rate:
The client is already on 6 liters of oxygen via nasal cannula and has an oxygen saturation of 92%, which is within an acceptable range for a patient with COPD. Increasing the oxygen rate further could risk causing oxygen toxicity or lead to CO2 retention in clients with COPD, as their respiratory drive is often driven by low oxygen levels rather than high carbon dioxide levels. Thus, increasing the oxygen rate should be done cautiously and only if clinically indicated by a healthcare provider.

A. Unilateral facial drooping B. Unilateral arm weakness C. Alopecia D. Difficulty swallowing E. Inability to close the affected eye

Correct Answer is ["A"]

Explanation

A) Unilateral facial drooping:
Unilateral facial drooping is the hallmark sign of Bell's palsy, a condition that results from inflammation of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII). This inflammation causes muscle weakness or paralysis on one side of the face, leading to drooping of the mouth, eyelid, and other facial features on the affected side. The facial drooping may worsen with smiling, closing the eyes, or other facial expressions, making this a key finding in Bell’s palsy.

B) Unilateral arm weakness:
Unilateral arm weakness is not typically associated with Bell's palsy, which specifically affects the facial muscles due to nerve damage. While weakness can occur in other parts of the body due to neurological conditions, it is not a characteristic symptom of Bell’s palsy, which is primarily a cranial nerve issue. Therefore, arm weakness would prompt consideration of other potential neurological causes.

C) Alopecia:
Alopecia, or hair loss, is not a common symptom of Bell's palsy. Although it can be seen in many different conditions, it is not typically linked with Bell's palsy, which is a disorder of the facial nerve. Bell’s palsy affects facial muscles, leading to symptoms like drooping or inability to close the eye, but it does not directly cause hair loss.

D) Difficulty swallowing:
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) can occur in Bell's palsy, especially if the facial nerve affects the ability to control the muscles involved in swallowing. This may lead to difficulty with chewing, swallowing, or speaking clearly. While not always severe, dysphagia is a potential complication due to the involvement of the facial nerve, which controls facial muscles essential for these functions.

E) Inability to close the affected eye:
The inability to close the affected eye is a common symptom of Bell's palsy due to paralysis of the orbicularis oculi muscle, which is controlled by the facial nerve. This can lead to dryness or irritation of the eye and a risk for corneal damage if the eye is not properly closed or protected. This inability to close the eye is one of the hallmark features of Bell's palsy.

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The nurse is caring for a client with uterine cancer who is being treated with brachytherapy. The UAP reports that the client ambulated to the restroom and is now reporting, "something feels like it’s coming out." What is the nurse's priority action?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client who has been recently diagnosed with Bell's palsy. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? [Select all that apply.]

Correct Answer is ["A"]

Explanation

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