The nurse is caring for a patient with stage IV metastatic breast cancer, who has metastasis to the bone.
During assessment, the patient appears severely weak, fatigued, confused, and continually repeats "I'm so thirsty!” What will the nurse implement in the patient's plan of care?
Notify the provider that the patient is exhibiting signs of hypercalcemia and draw blood to obtain ionized calcium level.
Notify the provider that the patient is exhibiting signs of tumor lysis syndrome and draw blood to obtain uric acid level.
Notify the provider that the patient is exhibiting signs of infection and request an order for blood cultures.
Notify the provider that the patient is exhibiting signs of bleeding and request an order for a packed red blood cell transfusion.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Hypercalcemia is common in patients with bone metastasis. Symptoms include weakness, fatigue, confusion, and excessive thirst. The nurse should notify the provider and draw blood to obtain the ionized calcium level for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Choice B rationale
Tumor lysis syndrome typically occurs in patients with rapidly proliferating tumors undergoing treatment, leading to the release of intracellular contents. Symptoms include hyperuricemia, not excessive thirst. This choice does not match the patient's presentation.
Choice C rationale
While infection can cause weakness and confusion, it does not typically cause extreme thirst. The patient's symptoms are more indicative of hypercalcemia, making this choice less relevant.
Choice D rationale
Bleeding can cause weakness and confusion due to anemia, but it does not cause extreme thirst. The symptoms of the patient are more aligned with hypercalcemia than bleeding.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Dairy milk is a rich source of calcium, which is essential for patients with hypoparathyroidism. This condition leads to low levels of parathyroid hormone, causing hypocalcemia (low calcium levels in the blood). Including calcium-rich foods like dairy milk helps to manage this deficiency and maintain normal calcium levels.
Choice B rationale
Eggs provide some calcium, but their primary nutritional value is their protein content. While beneficial for overall health, eggs alone are not sufficient to address the calcium needs of patients with hypoparathyroidism, who require higher calcium intake.
Choice C rationale
Spinach contains calcium; however, it also has high levels of oxalates, which can bind to calcium and reduce its absorption in the body. Therefore, relying on spinach for calcium intake is not ideal for patients with hypoparathyroidism, who need to maximize calcium absorption to manage their condition effectively.
Choice D rationale
Green beans are nutritious and provide some calcium, but they are not among the top sources of calcium required for managing hypoparathyroidism. Patients with this condition need higher calcium intake from more concentrated sources like dairy products.
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