Which instruction is most important for the nurse to provide a client who is receiving radiation therapy for lung cancer when teaching about skin care?
ice packs may be applied to the site for 30 minutes every hour for comfort
Incorporate rest periods throughout the day
Do not share bathrooms/toilets with others for 48 hours after treatment
Wear loose, soft clothing over the treated area
The Correct Answer is D
A) Ice packs may be applied to the site for 30 minutes every hour for comfort:
This is not an appropriate recommendation for skin care related to radiation therapy. Applying ice packs to the skin can cause vasoconstriction and might worsen skin irritation or damage from radiation. Instead, the patient should be advised to avoid extreme temperatures, including hot or cold compresses, which could exacerbate skin issues in the radiation field.
B) Incorporate rest periods throughout the day:
While rest is important for overall well-being during radiation therapy, this instruction does not directly address the skin care needs associated with radiation. The primary concern with radiation therapy is protecting the skin from further irritation and damage, so specific skin care measures are more crucial in this context than general rest periods.
C) Do not share bathrooms/toilets with others for 48 hours after treatment:
This instruction is not necessary for most patients undergoing radiation therapy, especially for lung cancer. The concern about not sharing bathrooms or toilets generally applies to patients receiving brachytherapy or radioactive implants, where radiation is placed inside the body. For external radiation, there is no risk of contamination through shared bathroom use.
D) Wear loose, soft clothing over the treated area:
This is the most appropriate instruction for skin care during radiation therapy. Radiation therapy can cause the skin to become tender, red, and irritated, so wearing loose, soft clothing will help minimize friction and pressure on the skin. Tight or rough clothing can irritate the radiation site, increasing the risk of skin breakdown. Loose, breathable fabrics like cotton can help keep the skin comfortable and allow it to heal while protecting it from further damage.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["12"]
Explanation
Given:
Ordered dose of Heparin: 20 units/kg
Patient weight: 132 lbs
Concentration of Heparin: 25,000 units/250 mL (100 units/mL)
Step 1: Convert patient weight from pounds to kilograms:
1 pound (lb) = 0.453592 kilograms (kg)
Patient weight in kg = 132 lbs x 0.453592 kg/lb = 59.87424 kg
Step 2: Calculate the total dose of Heparin:
Total dose (units) = Ordered dose (units/kg) x Patient weight (kg)
Total dose (units) = 20 units/kg x 59.87424 kg
Total dose (units) = 1197.4848 units
Step 3: Calculate the volume to be administered:
Volume (mL) = Total dose (units) / Concentration (units/mL)
Volume (mL) = 1197.4848 units / 100 units/mL
Volume (mL) = 11.974848 mL
Step 4: Round to the nearest whole number:
Volume (mL) ≈ 12 mL
Correct Answer is ["A"]
Explanation
A) There are no obvious symptoms or problems: Ovarian cancer is often referred to as the "silent killer" because it tends to develop without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. When symptoms do appear, they are often vague and nonspecific, such as bloating, abdominal discomfort, or changes in bowel habits. By the time ovarian cancer is diagnosed, it is frequently at an advanced stage, making it more difficult to treat effectively. This lack of early, clear symptoms contributes significantly to the high death rate associated with the disease.
B) Radiation therapy is ineffective because the ovaries are located so deep within the pelvis: While ovarian cancer is located deep within the pelvis, radiation therapy can still be effective for certain types of tumors. However, the primary reason for high death rates is not the location of the ovaries, but the late-stage diagnosis and difficulty in detecting the cancer early.
C) The causative cancer cell is resistant to chemotherapy or radiation: While some ovarian cancer cells may exhibit resistance to treatment, this is not the main reason for the high mortality rate. The real issue is the lack of early detection, as ovarian cancer is often diagnosed when it has already spread beyond the ovaries. Early-stage ovarian cancer may be more responsive to treatment, but by the time symptoms are noticeable, the cancer is often advanced, which limits the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation.
D) Ovarian cancer occurs primarily among women over age 70 that also have other complicating health problems: Although the incidence of ovarian cancer increases with age, particularly after age 60, it is not the primary factor contributing to high death rates. Many women diagnosed with ovarian cancer are relatively healthy except for the cancer itself.
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