ATI RN
foundation of nursing questions and answers Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 45-year-old woman has just undergone a radical hysterectomy for invasive cervical cancer. Prior to the surgery the physician explained to the patient that after the surgery a source of radiation would be placed near the tumor site to aid in reducing recurrence. What is the placement of the source of radiation called?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Brachytherapy. Brachytherapy involves placing a radiation source near or directly into the tumor site. In this case, after the hysterectomy, the source of radiation is placed near the cervical cancer site to deliver targeted radiation therapy. This method helps reduce the risk of cancer recurrence by delivering high doses of radiation to the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. Choice A (Internal beam radiation) typically refers to a type of external radiation therapy where radiation beams are directed at the tumor from outside the body, not placed internally like brachytherapy. Choice B (Trachelectomy) is a surgical procedure that involves removal of the cervix while preserving the uterus, not related to radiation therapy. Choice D (External radiation) involves delivering radiation from outside the body using a machine, unlike brachytherapy where the radiation source is placed internally near the tumor site.
Question 2 of 5
A 23-year-old woman comes to the free clinic stating I think I have a lump in my breast. Do I have cancer? The nurse instructs the patient that a diagnosis of breast cancer is confirmed by what?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Mammography. Mammography is the gold standard for diagnosing breast cancer as it can detect abnormalities such as lumps or tumors in the breast tissue. It provides detailed images that can help healthcare providers identify suspicious areas that may require further testing or biopsy. Supervised breast self-examination (choice A) is important for early detection but is not a diagnostic tool. Fine-needle aspiration (choice C) is a procedure used to obtain a sample of cells for further analysis but is not definitive for diagnosing breast cancer. Chest x-ray (choice D) is used to evaluate the lungs and heart, not the breast tissue for cancer.
Question 3 of 5
A patient newly diagnosed with breast cancer states that her physician suspects regional lymph node involvement and told her that there are signs of metastatic disease. The nurse learns that the patient has been diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer. What is an implication of this diagnosis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer A: Stage IV breast cancer indicates distant metastasis, making the patient ineligible for curative surgery. Treatment for stage IV focuses on palliative care to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Summary of Other Choices: B: Stage IV breast cancer is not considered highly treatable as it has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes, making it more challenging to cure. C: There is no evidence to suggest that stage IV breast cancer will self-resolve. The prognosis for metastatic breast cancer is typically poor. D: The 5-year survival rate for stage IV breast cancer is generally lower than 15%, making this choice incorrect.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is teaching breast self-examination (BSE) to a group of women. The nurse should recommend that the women perform BSE at what time?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: At the time of menses. This is because breasts are less lumpy and tender during this time, making it easier to detect abnormalities. Performing BSE at other times may lead to false alarms due to hormonal changes. Choice B is incorrect because timing matters for accurate results. Choice C is incorrect as weekly BSE is unnecessary and may cause unnecessary anxiety. Choice D is incorrect as breasts are more lumpy and tender post-menses, potentially making it harder to detect abnormalities.
Question 5 of 5
A patient is being discharged home from the ambulatory surgery center after an incisional biopsy of a mass in her left breast. What are the criteria for discharging this patient home? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why answer A is correct: 1. Ambulating is a crucial postoperative activity to prevent complications like blood clots. 2. Understanding when to ambulate ensures the patient follows proper recovery guidelines. 3. Proper ambulation aids in preventing postoperative complications and promotes healing. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: B. Having someone accompany the patient is important for support but not a strict criteria for discharge. C. While understanding activity restrictions is important, it is not a specific criteria for immediate discharge. D. Understanding care for the biopsy site is essential but not a strict criteria for immediate discharge. E. Removal of a urinary catheter is not typically related to discharge criteria for a breast biopsy.