The nurse is caring for a patient receiving external radiation for lung cancer.
What nursing considerations will the nurse implement to reduce the risks related to this treatment?
Place the patient in a private, lead-lined room during hospitalization.
Ensure all staff caring for the patient wear a dosimeter badge to track the radiation exposure.
Monitor the patient's skin integrity and avoid exposing the irradiated area to extreme heat or cold.
Restrict all visitors and post radioactive precautions signs on the patient's door.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Placing the patient in a private, lead-lined room is unnecessary for external radiation therapy, which does not make the patient radioactive. This consideration is more applicable to internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy), where radioactive materials are placed inside the body.
Choice B rationale
While dosimeter badges are essential for monitoring radiation exposure, they are more relevant for healthcare workers who may be exposed to radiation, not for patients receiving external radiation therapy. The patient themselves are not a source of radiation exposure.
Choice C rationale
Monitoring the patient's skin integrity is crucial because external radiation can cause skin irritation and damage. Avoiding exposure to extreme heat or cold helps prevent additional skin trauma and promotes healing.
Choice D rationale
Restricting visitors and posting radioactive precautions signs are unnecessary for patients receiving external radiation therapy. These precautions are more applicable to internal radiation therapy, where the patient may emit radiation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Administering intravenous fluids with glucose is essential for a patient with Addison's disease who has been exposed to stressors like prolonged sun exposure. Patients with Addison's disease may experience an adrenal crisis, characterized by low blood pressure, dehydration, and hypoglycemia. Intravenous fluids with glucose help to rehydrate the patient and restore blood sugar levels, which are critical in preventing shock and other severe complications.
Choice B rationale
Administering 1000 mg of acetaminophen orally is not the priority intervention for this patient. While it may help reduce fever, it does not address the underlying issues of Addison's disease, such as hypoglycemia and dehydration, which are more urgent. The primary concern should be stabilizing the patient's vital signs and electrolyte balance.
Choice C rationale
Educating the patient about ordered hydrocortisone is important for long-term management of Addison's disease, but it is not the immediate priority in an emergency situation. The patient requires prompt medical intervention to address the acute symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, such as lethargy and hypoglycemia.
Choice D rationale
Exploring options to minimize stress is relevant for managing Addison's disease in general, as stress can trigger an adrenal crisis. However, in the emergency department, the nurse's priority should be to stabilize the patient and manage acute symptoms. Stress management can be addressed once the patient's condition is stabilized.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Hypoventilation and hypoglycemia are symptoms of untreated hypothyroidism rather than an indicator of effective levothyroxine treatment.
Choice B rationale
Angina and arrhythmias can occur if the dosage of levothyroxine is too high, indicating overmedication rather than effective treatment.
Choice C rationale
Weight gain is a sign of undertreated hypothyroidism and would indicate that the medication is not effective in managing the condition.
Choice D rationale
Normal body temperature and pulse rate indicate that levothyroxine is effectively managing the symptoms of hypothyroidism, as it restores metabolic function to normal levels. .
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