An oncology nurse is contributing to the care of a patient who has failed to respond appreciably to conventional cancer treatments. As a result, the care team is considering the possible use of biologic response modifiers (BRFs). The nurse should know that these achieve a therapeutic effect by what means?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Focusing the patient's immune system exclusively on the tumor. Biologic response modifiers (BRMs) work by enhancing the body's natural defenses to target and attack cancer cells specifically. This approach helps the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells while minimizing harm to normal cells. A: Promoting the synthesis and release of leukocytes - This is not the primary mechanism of action for BRMs. While leukocytes play a role in the immune response, BRMs target the immune system's response to tumors. C: Potentiating the effects of chemotherapeutic agents and radiation therapy - While some BRMs may be used in combination with these treatments, their primary mode of action is not to enhance the effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy. D: Altering the immunologic relationship between the tumor and the patient - This choice is too broad and vague. BRMs specifically aim to direct the immune response towards targeting the tumor cells, rather than altering the overall immunologic relationship

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Addressing possible barriers to adherence. This is crucial because adherence to the antiretroviral drug regimen is key for successful therapy in HIV patients. By identifying and addressing barriers such as medication side effects, cost, or forgetfulness, nurses can help patients stay on track with their treatment. Other choices are incorrect: A: Promoting complementary therapies is not the priority in initiating antiretroviral therapy. Adherence to the prescribed regimen is more critical. C: Educating about the pathophysiology of HIV is important, but it may not directly impact the success of the therapy as much as addressing adherence barriers. D: While follow-up blood work is necessary, it is not as immediate and impactful as addressing adherence barriers at the beginning of therapy.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: When the patient is resting. This is because the tremor associated with Parkinson's disease is most noticeable when the patient is at rest due to the characteristic "resting tremor" seen in this condition. The tremor tends to lessen or disappear with purposeful movements or activities, making it more difficult to assess during ambulation, meal preparation, or occupational therapy. By observing the patient at rest, the nurse can accurately assess the presence and severity of the tremor, which is a key diagnostic feature of Parkinson's disease. Other answer choices are incorrect because they do not provide the optimal condition for assessing the tremor associated with Parkinson's disease.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Acute pain related to misplaced endometrial tissue. This nursing diagnosis should be prioritized because endometriosis commonly presents with severe pelvic pain. Managing pain is crucial for the patient's comfort and quality of life. Anxiety (choice A) is not the priority as pain management takes precedence. Ineffective tissue perfusion (choice C) is not a priority unless the patient is actively hemorrhaging. Excess fluid volume (choice D) is not typically associated with endometriosis. Prioritizing pain management will address the immediate and most distressing symptom for the patient.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hematologic spread. In this case, the cancer cells have traveled through the bloodstream to reach the bones and liver. This process is known as hematologic spread, where cancer cells enter the blood vessels and spread to distant organs. Lymphatic circulation (B) involves the spread of cancer cells through the lymphatic system, which is less likely in this scenario. Invasion (C) refers to cancer cells infiltrating nearby tissues, not distant organs. Angiogenesis (D) is the process of new blood vessel formation to support tumor growth, but it does not explain the spread of cancer cells to other organs.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Correct Answer: C - Used crutches with no difficulties Rationale: 1. "Used crutches with no difficulties" reflects the patient's successful application of the taught skill. 2. This information indicates the patient's ability to independently perform the task. 3. It demonstrates the effectiveness of the teaching provided by the nurse. 4. "Used crutches with no difficulties" is a specific and objective observation of the patient's performance. Summary: A. "Patient went up and down stairs" is too general and does not indicate the patient's proficiency. B. "Demonstrated use of crutches" does not confirm the patient's actual performance. D. "Deficient knowledge related to never using crutches" is incorrect as it does not reflect the patient's successful use of crutches.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Jejunostomy tube. This tube is chosen because the patient has a history of aspiration pneumonia, which puts them at risk for aspiration if feeds are administered into the stomach. By administering feeds through a jejunostomy tube, the risk of aspiration pneumonia is minimized as the feed bypasses the stomach. Nasogastric tube (A) and Nasointestinal tube (C) would still deliver feeds to the stomach, increasing the risk of aspiration. PEG tube (D) is also not ideal as it delivers feeds directly to the stomach, which is not recommended for patients at risk for aspiration.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (C): 1. The newer antihistamines, such as second-generation antihistamines like loratadine or cetirizine, are designed to cause less sedation compared to older antihistamines like diphenhydramine. 2. These newer antihistamines have a lower affinity for crossing the blood-brain barrier, reducing the sedative effects. 3. Therefore, suggesting that the newer antihistamines are different and cause less sedation is the best response to address the patient's concerns. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A. While some newer antihistamines may be combined with decongestants to offset drowsiness, this is not a consistent feature of all newer antihistamines. B. Developing tolerance to sedation after a few months is not a common or reliable response to antihistamines. D. Taking antihistamines at bedtime may help with sedation, but it does not address

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why A is correct: 1. Retinal detachment causes traction on the retina. 2. Traction on the retina can stimulate photoreceptors. 3. Stimulation of photoreceptors can lead to perception of flashing lights. 4. Therefore, the characteristic symptom of retinal detachment is flashing lights in the visual field. Summary: B: Sudden eye pain is not a characteristic symptom of retinal detachment. C: Loss of color vision is not typically associated with retinal detachment. D: Colored halos around lights are more indicative of conditions like glaucoma or corneal edema, not retinal detachment.