A client is receiving methotrexate (Mexate), 12g/m2 IV to treat osteogenic carcinoma. During methotrexate therapy, the nurse expects the client to receive which other drug to protect normal cells?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Leucovorin. Leucovorin is administered with methotrexate to protect normal cells from methotrexate toxicity by acting as a "rescue" agent. Methotrexate inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, leading to decreased levels of tetrahydrofolate needed for DNA synthesis. Leucovorin bypasses this step by directly providing the reduced form of folic acid, thus preventing toxicity in normal cells. Probenecid (choice A) is not used to protect normal cells during methotrexate therapy. Cytarabine (choice B) and Thioguanine (choice C) are not rescue agents for methotrexate toxicity.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Fluorouracil (5-fluorouracil, 5-FU). Fluorouracil is a commonly used chemotherapy drug for treating advanced liver cancer. It works by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. This drug is specifically effective in targeting rapidly dividing cells, which is a characteristic of cancer cells. Fluorouracil is often used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs to improve treatment outcomes. Summary of other choices: A: Fluoxymesterone (Halotestin) - This is an androgen hormone used to treat certain types of breast cancer, not liver cancer. C: Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) - This is a hormonal therapy drug used in breast cancer, not liver cancer. D: Megestrol (Megace) - This is a hormonal therapy drug used for certain types of cancers, but not typically for liver cancer.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Offering emotional support. In the preoperative phase, a nurse's role includes comforting and reassuring the patient to reduce anxiety and promote emotional well-being. This is crucial for the patient's overall experience and can positively impact their recovery. Obtaining preoperative orders (A) is typically the responsibility of the physician. Explaining the surgical procedure (C) is usually done by the surgeon. Providing informed consent (D) involves ensuring the patient understands the risks and benefits of the procedure, which is typically the responsibility of the healthcare provider performing the procedure.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: A painless mass in the breast. This is the primary sign of breast cancer because most breast cancers present as painless lumps or masses. This is due to the abnormal growth of cells forming a tumor. Other choices (A, B, C) are also signs of breast cancer, but they are not as common or primary as the presence of a painless mass. A bloody discharge from the nipple (A) can be a sign of a benign condition or cancer, but it is not the most common presentation. Nipple retraction (B) and dimpling of the skin over the lesion (C) can also be signs of breast cancer, but they usually occur in later stages of the disease. Therefore, the presence of a painless mass in the breast is the primary sign that should raise suspicion for breast cancer.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Strengthens heart contraction. Digoxin is an inotropic agent that works by increasing the force of the heart's contractions. This leads to improved cardiac output and helps manage conditions like heart failure. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because digoxin does not decrease heart rate, increase conduction time, or increase heart rate. It specifically targets the strength of the heart's contractions, making option D the most appropriate choice. This action of digoxin is crucial in improving the efficiency of the heart's pumping function.