ATI RN
ATI Oncology Quiz Questions
Question 1 of 9
A patient on the oncology unit is receiving carmustine, a chemotherapy agent, and the nurse is aware that a significant side effect of this medication is thrombocytopenia. Which symptom should the nurse assess for in patients at risk for thrombocytopenia?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by a low platelet count, which increases the risk of bleeding and hemorrhage. Patients receiving chemotherapy agents like carmustine may experience thrombocytopenia as a significant side effect. Epistaxis (nosebleeds) is a common symptom associated with thrombocytopenia, as the blood vessels can become more fragile, and even minor trauma or spontaneous bleeding can occur. Therefore, assessing for signs of bleeding, including epistaxis, is crucial in patients at risk for thrombocytopenia.
Question 2 of 9
The nurse is teaching a client about the signs of infection after chemotherapy. Which of the following should the nurse emphasize?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In clients undergoing chemotherapy, the immune system is often compromised due to the effects of treatment, making them more susceptible to infections. A fever over 100.4°F (38°C) is considered a critical sign of infection in these patients and requires immediate medical evaluation. Fever may indicate the presence of an infection that could escalate quickly in immunocompromised individuals, so it is vital for patients to recognize this symptom and seek prompt medical attention.
Question 3 of 9
Which of the following descriptions of chemotherapy is correct?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Chemotherapy drugs are typically administered systemically, meaning they circulate throughout the body via the bloodstream. This allows them to target cancer cells that may have spread beyond the original tumor site, making chemotherapy an effective treatment for cancers that are metastatic (have spread to other parts of the body). However, because chemotherapy is not selective, it can also affect healthy cells that divide rapidly, leading to a range of side effects.
Question 4 of 9
A 16-year-old female patient experiences alopecia resulting from chemotherapy, prompting the nursing diagnoses of disturbed body image and situational low self-esteem. What action by the patient would best indicate that she is meeting the goal of improved body image and self-esteem?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When a patient experiences alopecia due to chemotherapy, it can significantly impact their self-esteem and body image, particularly in adolescents who are especially sensitive to physical changes. A request for makeup and a wig indicates that the patient is actively taking steps to enhance her appearance and cope with the changes brought on by her treatment. This action reflects a positive engagement with her body image and suggests a desire to feel more comfortable and confident in her appearance, signaling an improvement in her self-esteem.
Question 5 of 9
A patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is at risk for tumor lysis syndrome. What laboratory values should the nurse monitor to detect this complication?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
Question 6 of 9
A client undergoing chemotherapy is at risk for developing mucositis. What nursing intervention is most appropriate to help manage this condition?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
Question 7 of 9
The nurse is caring for a client following a mastectomy. Which nursing intervention would assist in preventing lymphedema of the affected arm?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: After a mastectomy, particularly when lymph nodes are removed, there is an increased risk of lymphedema in the affected arm due to impaired lymphatic drainage. Elevating the affected arm above heart level helps promote lymphatic drainage and reduces the risk of swelling. This intervention facilitates the return of lymph fluid and helps prevent fluid accumulation in the arm.
Question 8 of 9
A client with breast cancer is receiving doxorubicin (Adriamycin). The nurse monitors the client closely for:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) is an anthracycline chemotherapy agent commonly used to treat various cancers, including breast cancer. One of the significant side effects associated with doxorubicin is cardiotoxicity, which can lead to serious complications such as heart failure and arrhythmias. The risk of cardiotoxicity is dose-dependent, meaning that higher cumulative doses increase the likelihood of cardiac damage. Therefore, it is essential for nurses to monitor cardiac function closely through assessments such as echocardiograms or monitoring for signs and symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and edema.
Question 9 of 9
A patient with Hodgkin lymphoma is receiving radiation therapy. What side effect should the nurse monitor for that is most common with this type of treatment?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.