A patient is being treated with chemotherapy. The nurse revises the patient's care plan based on which result?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of a patient undergoing chemotherapy, revising the care plan based on a platelet count of 50,000/µL is crucial. Chemotherapy often leads to bone marrow suppression, resulting in decreased platelet production and an increased risk of bleeding. Monitoring platelet counts helps in assessing the patient's risk of bleeding and guides interventions such as platelet transfusions or adjustments to the chemotherapy regimen to prevent further bone marrow suppression. Option A, WBC count of 4000/µL, is not the most critical parameter to monitor in this scenario. While low WBC counts can increase the risk of infection, platelet count is more directly associated with bleeding complications in the context of chemotherapy. Option B, RBC count of 3.8 × 106/µL, primarily reflects the patient's oxygen-carrying capacity and is not the immediate concern when assessing for complications related to chemotherapy. Option D, Hematocrit (Hct) of 39%, is a measure of the proportion of blood volume occupied by red blood cells and is not as sensitive an indicator of bleeding risk as platelet count. In an educational context, understanding the significance of monitoring different hematologic parameters in patients undergoing chemotherapy is vital for nurses and healthcare professionals. This knowledge enables them to provide safe and effective care, detect potential complications early, and intervene promptly to optimize patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Performing a lymph node biopsy is crucial in diagnosing neoplastic conditions such as lymphomas or metastatic cancer. Neoplastic cells can infiltrate lymph nodes, causing changes in size, consistency, and tenderness. Biopsy helps identify the type of cancer, its stage, and guides treatment decisions. Option A, Leukemia, is a systemic blood cancer that primarily affects the bone marrow and blood, not the lymph nodes. Option B, Cause of lymphedema, involves the accumulation of lymphatic fluid, not cellular changes in lymph nodes. Option C, Hemorrhagic tendencies, are related to clotting disorders or platelet abnormalities, not typically diagnosed through lymph node biopsies. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind a lymph node biopsy emphasizes the importance of diagnostic procedures in oncology and hematology. This knowledge aids healthcare professionals in interpreting test results accurately, formulating appropriate treatment plans, and providing optimal care for patients with hematologic or oncologic conditions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In patients with anemia, the correct answer to why they often feel fatigued is option B) Lack of oxygen getting to the cells in her body. Anemia is a condition characterized by a decreased number of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood, leading to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity. This lack of oxygen impairs the body's ability to generate energy through aerobic metabolism, resulting in fatigue. Option A) Destruction (hemolysis) of the RBCs, while a cause of anemia in conditions like hemolytic anemia, does not directly explain the fatigue experienced by patients. Option C) Paleness (pallor) of the skin is a symptom of anemia but does not address the underlying reason for fatigue. Option D) Lack of nutritional intake of essential nutrients like iron or B12 can lead to specific types of anemia but does not directly relate to the fatigue mechanism in anemia. Educationally, it is essential for healthcare professionals to understand the physiological basis of symptoms in anemia to provide appropriate care and support for patients. By knowing that fatigue in anemia is primarily due to the lack of oxygen delivery to tissues, healthcare providers can tailor interventions to address this root cause, such as managing the underlying condition causing the anemia or providing supplemental oxygen or blood transfusions when necessary.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). DIC is a serious condition characterized by both excessive clotting and bleeding. It occurs as a result of widespread activation of the clotting cascade, leading to the formation of microthrombi throughout the body, which can consume clotting factors and platelets, resulting in bleeding. Option B) Hemophilia is incorrect because hemophilia is a bleeding disorder where the blood does not clot properly. Patients with hemophilia typically do not experience clotting and bleeding simultaneously. Option C) Multiple myeloma is incorrect as it is a type of cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow, leading to symptoms like bone pain, anemia, and kidney problems. It is not typically associated with clotting and bleeding at the same time. Option D) Polycythemia vera is incorrect because it is a disorder characterized by an overproduction of red blood cells, leading to an increased risk of blood clots. However, it does not typically present with both clotting and bleeding manifestations simultaneously. Educationally, understanding the pathophysiology of DIC is crucial in clinical practice, especially in hematology and oncology settings. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of DIC is essential for prompt diagnosis and management to prevent serious complications. This question highlights the importance of differentiating between various hematological conditions based on their unique presentations and underlying mechanisms.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of a patient diagnosed with Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), the priority intervention is to monitor the coagulation status through tests like PT (Prothrombin Time), PTT (Partial Thromboplastin Time), and INR (International Normalized Ratio) as option A suggests. This is crucial because DVT is a condition where blood clots form in the deep veins, and monitoring these parameters helps in assessing the patient's risk of clot formation or bleeding. Option B, early ambulation and aerobic exercise, though important for DVT management to prevent complications like pulmonary embolism, is not the priority intervention in the acute phase when monitoring coagulation status is crucial for immediate management. Option C, application of ice packs, is not recommended for DVT as it can potentially worsen the condition by causing vasoconstriction and increasing the risk of clot formation. Option D, increasing dietary intake of foods rich in vitamin K, is contraindicated in DVT management as vitamin K promotes blood clotting, which can exacerbate the condition. In an educational context, understanding the priority interventions in managing DVT is crucial for healthcare providers to ensure timely and appropriate care for patients at risk of complications. Monitoring coagulation status allows for informed decision-making regarding anticoagulant therapy and reduces the risk of adverse outcomes associated with DVT.