A patient was admitted with gastric cancer. The patient asks the nurse about things to expect while receiving chemotherapy. Which of the following statements of the nurse shows incompetence?

Questions 49

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ATI Oncology Questions Questions

Question 1 of 9

A patient was admitted with gastric cancer. The patient asks the nurse about things to expect while receiving chemotherapy. Which of the following statements of the nurse shows incompetence?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: While hair loss (alopecia) is a common side effect of chemotherapy due to the damage to rapidly dividing hair follicle cells, the statement that hair will grow back "immediately" is inaccurate and misleading. Hair regrowth after chemotherapy takes time, typically starting a few weeks to months after treatment ends. The new hair may also have a different texture or color initially. Therefore, this statement indicates a lack of understanding and could give the patient unrealistic expectations, which is why it shows incompetence.

Question 2 of 9

A patient with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is receiving induction therapy. What is the priority nursing intervention during this phase of treatment?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Induction therapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) involves intensive chemotherapy aimed at achieving remission by eliminating a large number of cancerous cells. However, this aggressive treatment also severely reduces the production of healthy blood cells, including neutrophils, which leads to neutropenia (a dangerously low number of neutrophils). This makes the patient highly susceptible to infections, which can be life-threatening. Monitoring for signs of infection is critical during this phase, as infections may occur quickly and progress rapidly due to the compromised immune system. Early detection and prompt treatment of infections are vital to improving patient outcomes during induction therapy.

Question 3 of 9

The cells of a normal individual can replicate in a specified rate. If the rate of replication becomes uncontrollable, which of the following is lacking from the patient?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Contact inhibition is a regulatory mechanism that prevents cells from proliferating once they reach a certain density. Normally, when cells grow and touch each other (such as in a monolayer), they stop dividing, maintaining tissue integrity and structure. When contact inhibition is lacking, as in many cancerous cells, cells continue to grow and divide uncontrollably, leading to tumor formation. This loss of regulation is a hallmark of cancerous growth.

Question 4 of 9

The nurse is assessing the colostomy of a client who has had an abdominal perineal resection for a bowel tumor. Which assessment finding indicates that the colostomy is beginning to function?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The passage of flatus (gas) from the colostomy is an early sign that the bowel is beginning to function after surgery. This indicates that peristalsis, or the movement of the intestines, has resumed and that the digestive system is actively moving gas and eventually stool through the bowel and out of the colostomy. It's a positive sign that the bowel is recovering from the surgery and starting to work as intended.

Question 5 of 9

The nurse has taught a client with cancer ways to prevent infection. What statement by the client indicates that more teaching is needed?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Clients with cancer, especially those undergoing chemotherapy or other immunosuppressive treatments, are at increased risk for infections due to a weakened immune system. Changing a litter box exposes the client to pathogens such as Toxoplasma gondii and other harmful bacteria or parasites found in cat feces, which could lead to serious infections. It is recommended that immunocompromised individuals avoid activities like changing litter boxes to reduce their risk of exposure to infectious agents. A family member or caregiver should handle this task to protect the client.

Question 6 of 9

A client has a platelet count of 9800/mm3. What action by the nurse is most appropriate?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A platelet count of 9800/mm³ indicates severe thrombocytopenia, placing the client at high risk for bleeding, even with minor trauma or injury. Instructing the client to call for help before getting out of bed ensures they receive assistance with mobility, which reduces the risk of falls or injuries that could lead to serious bleeding. Preventing any activity that could result in trauma is crucial when managing clients with very low platelet counts.

Question 7 of 9

A nurse practitioner is assessing a patient who has a fever, malaise, and a white blood cell count that is elevated. Which of the following principles should guide the nurses management of the patients care?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: An elevated white blood cell (WBC) count, also known as leukocytosis, is most commonly a response to infection. When the body detects an infection, the immune system responds by increasing the production of white blood cells to fight off the invading pathogens. The accompanying symptoms of fever and malaise are typical signs of infection, supporting the likelihood that this patient's health status is related to an infectious process rather than a more serious hematologic condition like lymphoma or leukemia.

Question 8 of 9

Mina, who is suspected of an ovarian tumor is scheduled for a pelvic ultrasound. The nurse provides which preprocedure instruction to the client?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: A pelvic ultrasound requires the client to have a full bladder because the bladder acts as a window through which pelvic organs, such as the uterus and ovaries, can be visualized more clearly. The full bladder pushes the intestines out of the way and provides a better acoustic pathway for the ultrasound waves. Without this, the pelvic organs might be obscured, and the images would be less accurate.

Question 9 of 9

Nurse Joy is caring for a client with an internal radiation implant. When caring for the client, the nurse should observe which of the following principles?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Clients with internal radiation implants (also known as brachytherapy) emit a small amount of radiation, which can pose a risk to others. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of radiation because it can affect both the mother and the developing fetus. Radiation exposure can lead to birth defects, miscarriage, or other developmental issues, so pregnant women should avoid any exposure by not entering the client's room.

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