The nurse is caring for a patient with acute leukemia who has been in the hospital for treatment for three weeks.
The patient states, "I am so tired, I feel too exhausted and breathe fast when I try to get out of bed and do anything.” What is the best intervention for the nurse to implement for this patient?

Refer the patient to the psychiatrist for anti-depressant medications.

Provide portable oxygen therapy via nasal cannula during physical activity.

Instruct the patient to increase their oral iron supplement dose until fatigue subsides.

Encourage the patient to perform light exercises daily.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale

Referring the patient to a psychiatrist for anti-depressant medications may not address the immediate issue of fatigue and breathlessness related to acute leukemia. While psychological support is important, the primary focus should be on managing the patient's physical symptoms and improving oxygenation during activities.

Choice B rationale

Providing portable oxygen therapy via nasal cannula during physical activity is the best intervention for this patient. Oxygen therapy can help alleviate the patient's symptoms of breathlessness and fatigue by ensuring adequate oxygen levels during physical exertion. This intervention allows the patient to engage in activities with less discomfort and prevents further complications related to hypoxia.

Choice C rationale

Instructing the patient to increase their oral iron supplement dose until fatigue subsides is not appropriate without medical supervision. Iron supplementation should be based on the patient's iron levels and hematologic status. Over-supplementation can lead to adverse effects and may not address the underlying cause of fatigue in patients with acute leukemia.

Choice D rationale

Encouraging the patient to perform light exercises daily can be beneficial for overall health, but it may not be practical for someone experiencing severe fatigue and breathlessness. The patient's immediate need for oxygen support during activities takes precedence, and physical activity should be tailored to their current capabilities and medical condition. .

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Wearing a dosimeter badge is essential for healthcare workers handling radioactive materials to monitor exposure, but it is not a standard practice for handling chemotherapy, which is typically not radioactive. Chemotherapy drugs are cytotoxic and require different safety measures, such as PPE.

Choice B rationale

While protecting patients during radiation therapy with a lead apron is necessary, it is not applicable for chemotherapy infusions. Chemotherapy involves the administration of cytotoxic drugs, not ionizing radiation, so protective measures focus on preventing exposure to these chemicals rather than shielding from radiation.

Choice C rationale

The nurse must wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves and a gown, when handling chemotherapy to prevent exposure to these toxic drugs. PPE is crucial to protect healthcare workers from accidental spills, splashes, and skin contact with the chemotherapy agents, which can be harmful.

Choice D rationale

Disposal of chemotherapy waste should follow specific guidelines to prevent contamination and exposure. Sharps containers are for sharp objects like needles and blades, not for all chemotherapy waste. Chemotherapy waste should be disposed of in designated containers that comply with hazardous waste regulations to ensure safe handling and disposal.

A. "If I feel stressed, I will increase my dose of corticosteroids to cope with my mood swings.” B. "I have to decide whether or not I want to have surgery to remove the tumor on my thyroid gland.” C. "My teammates will be happy that I can begin playing football again.” D. "I will stay away from people with infections and call my healthcare provider if I develop a fever.” .

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Increasing the dose of corticosteroids without consulting a healthcare provider can be dangerous as it can cause serious side effects like immunosuppression, weight gain, and high blood pressure. Patients with Cushing's syndrome already have excess corticosteroids and should avoid additional doses.

Choice B rationale

This statement is incorrect as Cushing's syndrome is not related to a thyroid gland tumor. The treatment for Cushing's syndrome often involves removing a tumor from the adrenal gland or pituitary gland, not the thyroid.

Choice C rationale

Resuming physically intense activities like football should be discussed with a healthcare provider. Patients with Cushing's syndrome may have muscle weakness, osteoporosis, and other health issues that could be exacerbated by high-impact sports.

Choice D rationale

Patients with Cushing's syndrome have a weakened immune system due to high corticosteroid levels. Avoiding infections and promptly reporting any signs of illness, like fever, is crucial for their health.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse manager is orienting a new nurse to the oncology unit.What will the nurse manager teach about best practices for safe handling and administration of chemotherapy?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is providing discharge teaching to a patient diagnosed with Cushing's syndrome.What statement made by the patient will demonstrate their understanding of the discharge instructions?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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The nurse is providing discharge instructions to a patient with Graves' disease who has a prescription for propylthiouracil (PTU) 300 mg orally every 8 hours.Which symptom will the nurse teach the patient to report to the healthcare provider?

The nurse is administering filgrastim (G-CSF) to a patient with colorectal cancer after finishing a cycle of chemotherapy.Which SMART Outcome will this intervention help to achieve?

The nurse is caring for a patient who is scheduled for thyroid diagnostic testing.Which information, that may affect the test results, should be documented on the patient's electronic medical record (EMR) and communicated to the personnel conducting the test?

The nurse is caring for a patient with hypothyroidism who is prescribed levothyroxine.Which assessment data indicates to the nurse that the medication has been effective?

The nurse is evaluating a patient with hyperthyroidism who is taking propylthiouracil (PTU) 100 mg/day for maintenance therapy.Which statement from the patient indicates the medication therapy is effective?

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