The nurse is caring for a patient with recurrent prostate cancer who is scheduled to begin treatment with immunotherapy medication.
During patient teaching, which statement by the patient will indicate a need for further teaching by the nurse?
"You will monitor me for flu-like symptoms during my immunotherapy infusions.”
"I do not have to worry about losing my hair after this treatment.”
"Immunotherapy uses my own immune system to help fight the cancer.”
"This therapy will prevent me from getting hospital-acquired infections.”
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is Choice D.
Choice A rationale
Monitoring for flu-like symptoms during immunotherapy infusions is crucial because these medications can cause cytokine release syndrome. Symptoms like fever, chills, fatigue, and muscle aches are common side effects of immunotherapy and require close monitoring to manage and mitigate adverse reactions.
Choice B rationale
Immunotherapy generally does not cause hair loss, unlike traditional chemotherapy. Hair loss occurs because chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, including hair follicle cells. Immunotherapy works by enhancing the body's immune response to cancer cells without targeting hair follicles.
Choice C rationale
Immunotherapy leverages the patient's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. It enhances the body's natural defenses by boosting immune system activity or by counteracting signals produced by cancer cells that suppress immune responses.
Choice D rationale
Immunotherapy does not prevent hospital-acquired infections. While it strengthens the immune system against cancer, it does not provide general protection against pathogens causing nosocomial infections. Patients undergoing immunotherapy should still follow standard precautions to avoid infections.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Diagnostic surgery involves procedures done to confirm a diagnosis, such as a biopsy. In this case, the patient has already received a positive result on a breast tumor marker test, so the purpose of surgery is not to diagnose but to prevent the development of breast cancer.
Choice B rationale
Palliative surgery is performed to relieve symptoms or improve quality of life in patients with serious illnesses, often in advanced stages of cancer. The patient’s request for a bilateral mastectomy is not intended to alleviate symptoms but rather to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.
Choice C rationale
Prophylactic surgery is performed to reduce the risk of cancer in patients with a high predisposition to certain cancers, such as those with a family history or genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2. The patient’s request for a bilateral mastectomy falls into this category, as it aims to prevent the potential future development of breast cancer.
Choice D rationale
Reconstructive surgery is performed to restore the appearance or function of body parts after trauma, surgery, or congenital defects. While patients undergoing mastectomies may later opt for reconstructive surgery to restore breast appearance, the patient’s current request for a bilateral mastectomy is to proactively prevent breast cancer, not for reconstruction purposes. .
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.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.