The nurse on the oncology unit is caring for a patient receiving chemotherapy for treatment of leukemia.
Which patient finding is the nurse's priority for implementing interventions?
Pain 6/10 from mucositis and oral tissue injury.
Weakness and fatigue with activity.
Blood pressure 90/64 mmHg, pulse 102 beats per minute, oral temperature 38.5 degrees C.
Scattered ecchymosis and petechiae noted on arms.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Pain from mucositis and oral tissue injury is a significant concern for patients undergoing chemotherapy. However, it is not typically life-threatening and can be managed with appropriate pain relief measures and oral care.
Choice B rationale
Weakness and fatigue with activity are common side effects of chemotherapy and the disease process itself. While these symptoms impact the patient's quality of life, they do not usually require urgent intervention.
Choice C rationale
Blood pressure of 90/64 mmHg, pulse of 102 beats per minute, and oral temperature of 38.5 degrees Celsius suggest possible sepsis or severe infection. These vital signs indicate an urgent need for intervention to prevent further deterioration and potentially life-threatening complications.
Choice D rationale
Scattered ecchymosis and petechiae are signs of thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), which is a common complication of leukemia and its treatment. While important to monitor and manage, these findings are not typically as urgent as signs of sepsis or severe infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Dosimeter badges are used for monitoring radiation exposure, not for handling chemotherapy. They are worn by healthcare workers working in areas with ionizing radiation to track their cumulative exposure and ensure it stays within safe limits.
Choice B rationale
Lead aprons are also used to protect against radiation exposure, not chemotherapy. They shield the body from ionizing radiation but do not provide protection from the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy agents.
Choice C rationale
Personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves and gowns, is essential for safely handling chemotherapy drugs to prevent skin contact and inhalation of hazardous chemicals. This reduces the risk of exposure to these toxic agents, protecting both the nurse and the patient.
Choice D rationale
Chemotherapy waste should be disposed of in designated chemotherapy waste containers, not in standard sharps containers. These specialized containers ensure that hazardous waste is handled according to safety regulations, reducing the risk of environmental contamination and exposure.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Hypoventilation and hypoglycemia are symptoms of untreated hypothyroidism rather than an indicator of effective levothyroxine treatment.
Choice B rationale
Angina and arrhythmias can occur if the dosage of levothyroxine is too high, indicating overmedication rather than effective treatment.
Choice C rationale
Weight gain is a sign of undertreated hypothyroidism and would indicate that the medication is not effective in managing the condition.
Choice D rationale
Normal body temperature and pulse rate indicate that levothyroxine is effectively managing the symptoms of hypothyroidism, as it restores metabolic function to normal levels. .
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