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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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Neutropenia is a common side effect of chemotherapy for prostate cancer. It involves a low neutrophil count, making patients more susceptible to infections.

Choice B rationale

Alopecia, or hair loss, is a frequent side effect of chemotherapy due to the treatment attacking rapidly dividing cells, including hair follicles.

Choice C rationale

Thrombosis, the formation of blood clots, is not a typical side effect of chemotherapy for prostate cancer. While cancer itself may increase clotting risk, chemotherapy is not directly linked to thrombosis.

Choice D rationale

Lymphadenopathy, the enlargement of lymph nodes, is not a common toxicity of chemotherapy. It may occur in cancer progression or other infections but not directly due to chemotherapy.

Choice E rationale

Infertility can result from chemotherapy as it can harm reproductive cells. Patients may need to discuss fertility preservation methods before starting treatment.

A. Levothyroxine 50 mcg orally. B. Calcium gluconate 45 mg intravenously. C. Epoetin alfa 300 units per kilogram subcutaneously. D. Potassium chloride 40 mEq orally.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Levothyroxine is used for the replacement of thyroid hormone in patients with hypothyroidism. While it is essential for long-term management of thyroidectomy patients, it is not the immediate priority. The patient’s calcium levels are low, indicating the need for urgent correction to prevent complications such as tetany or cardiac issues.

Choice B rationale

Calcium gluconate is crucial to administer first in this scenario because the patient's calcium level is 8.5 mg/dL, which is on the lower end of the normal range. After a thyroidectomy, patients are at risk of hypocalcemia due to potential damage to the parathyroid glands, which regulate calcium levels. Intravenous calcium gluconate helps rapidly correct any deficiency and prevents severe symptoms like muscle cramps, tingling, or cardiac arrhythmias.

Choice C rationale

Epoetin alfa is used to stimulate red blood cell production in patients with anemia, particularly those with chronic kidney disease or undergoing chemotherapy. Although this patient has anemia, indicated by a hemoglobin level of 12 g/dL and hematocrit of 36%, the levels are not critically low. Addressing the low calcium level takes precedence to prevent immediate life-threatening complications.

Choice D rationale

Potassium chloride is used to treat or prevent potassium deficiency. The patient’s laboratory results do not indicate any abnormality in potassium levels, making this medication unnecessary at this time. Administering it without indication could lead to hyperkalemia, which poses risks such as cardiac dysrhythmias.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is assessing a patient with prostate cancer who is receiving chemotherapy.What findings will the nurse identify as potential toxicities of this treatment? Select All That Apply.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a patient with Graves Disease and anemia who had a thyroidectomy two days ago.Based on the laboratory results below, which medication will the nurse administer first? Creatinine 1.2 mg/dL. Calcium 8.5 mg/dL. Hemoglobin 12 g/dL. Hematocrit 36%.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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?

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?

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?

The nurse is caring for a patient with Addison's disease in the emergency department.The patient states that they were out in the sun gardening all day and is now lethargic, forgetful, and has a temperature of 101.5°F. What intervention will the nurse prioritize when caring for this patient?

The nurse is caring for a patient who is admitted to a surgical unit after a thyroidectomy.The nurse takes and maintains the inflated blood pressure cuff on the patient and observes a carpopedal spasm.What does this result indicate to the nurse?

The nurse is teaching a patient with hyperparathyroidism how to manage the condition at home.Which response by the patient indicates the need for additional teaching?

The nurse is caring for a patient with lymphoma who is receiving chemotherapy.The patient's laboratory results are below.What interventions will the nurse implement related to these results? ANC (Absolute neutrophil count): 2400/mm³. Hemoglobin: 8.4 g/dL. Hematocrit: 25.9%. Platelets: 6,000/mm³.