The nurse is reviewing the diagnostic studies on a client diagnosed with primary brain cancer. Which lab result would the nurse report to the Primary Care Practitioner (PCP) immediately?

Electrolyte

Normal Value Range

Serum sodium

135-145 mEq/L

Serum chloride

97-107 mEq/L

Serum potassium

3.5-5:3 mEq/L

Serum magnesium

1.6-2.2 mg/dL

Total serum calcium

8.2-10.2 mg/dL

lonized calcium

4.6-5.3 mg/dL

Serum phosphorus

2.5-4.5 mg/dL

Serum osmolality

275-295 mOsm/kg

Urine osmolality

250-900 mOsm/kg

Magnesium 2.0 mEq/L

Sodium 126 mEq/L

Potassium 3.5 mEq/L

Calcium 10 mg/L

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Magnesium at 2.0 mEq/L is within the normal range (1.6-2.2 mg/dL) and does not require immediate intervention.
B. A serum sodium level of 126 mEq/L indicates hyponatremia, which can lead to neurological complications, particularly in patients with brain cancer. Immediate reporting is necessary to manage potential risks such as seizures or altered mental status.
C. A potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L is on the lower limit of normal (3.5-5.3 mEq/L) but is still considered acceptable and does not require urgent action.
D. Calcium at 10 mg/L is an incorrect unit for this context, as total serum calcium is typically measured in mg/dL, and 10 mg/dL falls within the normal range (8.2-10.2 mg/dL).

Nursing Test Bank

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. While limiting emesis is important in cancer treatment, combination chemotherapy primarily focuses on improving efficacy and minimizing toxicities, not specifically targeting nausea and vomiting episodes.
B. Combination chemotherapy can actually increase the risk of neutropenia due to the cumulative effects of multiple agents, as each may independently lower white blood cell counts.
C. Decreasing time intervals between remission is not a primary goal of combination chemotherapy; rather, it aims to achieve better overall treatment outcomes.
D. The main rationale for using combination chemotherapy is to broaden the range of cancer cell kill through different mechanisms of action while minimizing the side effects associated with higher doses of a single agent. This approach can improve treatment efficacy and reduce the likelihood of resistance.

A. pain control options should be appropriate to the setting. B. delivery of pain relief interventions should be timely and logical. C. asking about pain once a shift. D. belief that pain is what the client reports it is. E. most effective when provided by a team approach.

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

Explanation

A. Pain control options should be appropriate to the setting because different environments (e.g., home vs. hospital) may require different approaches to pain management, ensuring that the interventions align with the patient's needs and the context.
B. Timely and logical delivery of pain relief interventions is critical for effective pain management. Delays in treatment can lead to unnecessary suffering and complicate the overall management of the patient's condition.
C. Asking about pain only once a shift is insufficient for effective pain management. Pain can fluctuate frequently, especially in a client with cancer, so regular assessment is essential to address pain promptly.
D. Believing that pain is what the client reports it to be is fundamental to effective pain management. Pain is subjective, and clients' experiences and expressions of pain should be taken seriously to guide appropriate interventions.
E. A team approach is often the most effective for pain management, as it allows for a comprehensive plan that integrates multiple perspectives and disciplines, including nursing, medical, and possibly palliative care professionals, ensuring a holistic approach to managing pain.

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Electrolyte	Normal Value Range
Serum sodium	135-145 mEq/L
Serum chloride	97-107 mEq/L
Serum potassium	3.5-5:3 mEq/L
Serum magnesium	1.6-2.2 mg/dL
Total serum calcium	8.2-10.2 mg/dL
lonized calcium	4.6-5.3 mg/dL
Serum phosphorus	2.5-4.5 mg/dL
Serum osmolality	275-295 mOsm/kg
Urine osmolality	250-900 mOsm/kg

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse knows the rationale for combination chemotherapy is to:

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse caring for a client diagnosed with pancreatic cancer understands that the key to effective pain management is: (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)

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

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a client who has been newly diagnosed with cancer. The client has become withdrawn from family members. Which strategy will the nurse use to assist the client at this time?

The nurse is evaluating the client's understanding of discharge instructions after a total hip replacement. The nurse asks the client what type of seating should be used. The client's correct response should be a:

The nurse is presenting information to the public regarding steps to decrease the risk for cancer development. The nurse includes which information as a form of primary prevention?

In planning teaching sessions for a client undergoing photodynamic therapy for lung cancer, the nurse should include which statement?

Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement to prevent complications from tumor lysis syndrome during chemotherapy?

The nurse is evaluating a client's response to ondansetron following the administration of chemotherapy. Which finding indicates an expected outcome? The client:

The nurse teaches a diabetic client how to perform foot care. Which action by the client would indicate that they can correctly perform foot care?

The nurse notes serosanguinous drainage from the nasogastric tube in the immediate postoperative period of a client who had a gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Which nursing action is appropriate?