ATI RN
foundation of nursing questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a 39-year-old woman with a family history of breast cancer. She requested a breast tumor marking test and the results have come back positive. As a result, the patient is requesting a bilateral mastectomy. This surgery is an example of what type of oncologic surgery?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Prophylactic surgery. Prophylactic surgery involves removing tissue at risk of developing cancer to prevent the occurrence of cancer. In this case, the patient has a family history of breast cancer and has tested positive for a breast tumor marker, indicating a high risk of developing breast cancer. By opting for a bilateral mastectomy, the patient is proactively removing breast tissue to reduce her risk of developing breast cancer. Salvage surgery (A) is performed to remove cancer that has recurred after initial treatment. Palliative surgery (B) aims to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life but is not curative. Reconstructive surgery (D) is performed to restore the appearance and function of a body part after cancer treatment but is not the primary purpose in this scenario.
Question 2 of 5
The clinic nurse is caring for a 42-year-old male oncology patient. He complains of extreme fatigue and weakness after his first week of radiation therapy. Which response by the nurse would best reassure this patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it acknowledges the patient's symptoms, reassures monitoring, and addresses the cause. It validates his experience while offering a proactive approach. Choice B is incorrect as it dismisses the patient's symptoms and can cause distress. Choice C is incorrect because it generalizes the patient's experience and lacks individualized care. Choice D is incorrect as it may give false hope and oversimplifies the situation. A provides the best balance of empathy and information for the patient's well-being.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is describing some of the major characteristics of cancer to a patient who has recently received a diagnosis of malignant melanoma. When differentiating between benign and malignant cancer cells, the nurse should explain differences in which of the following aspects? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Rate of growth. Malignant cancer cells grow and divide rapidly compared to benign cells. Benign cells are usually slow-growing and have a well-defined border, while malignant cells grow uncontrollably and invade surrounding tissues. The other choices are incorrect because: B: Ability to cause death - Both benign and malignant cells have the potential to cause harm, but the key difference lies in their growth rate and invasiveness. C: Size of cells - The size of cells does not necessarily differentiate between benign and malignant cells. D: Cell contents - While malignant cells may have abnormal cell contents, this is not a defining characteristic when differentiating between benign and malignant cells. E: Ability to spread - While the ability to spread is a key characteristic of malignant cells, the primary differentiating factor in this question is the rate of growth.
Question 4 of 5
A 62-year-old woman diagnosed with breast cancer is scheduled for a partial mastectomy. The oncology nurse explained that the surgeon will want to take tissue samples to ensure the disease has not spread to adjacent axillary lymph nodes. The patient has asked if she will have her lymph nodes dissected, like her mother did several years ago. What alternative to lymph node dissection will this patient most likely undergo?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Sentinel node biopsy. This procedure involves identifying and removing the sentinel lymph node(s) which is the first lymph node(s) that cancer cells are likely to spread to from the primary tumor. This method helps determine if cancer has spread beyond the primary site without the need for a full axillary lymph node dissection. It is less invasive, has fewer side effects, and provides accurate staging information. Lymphadenectomy (A) refers to the removal of multiple lymph nodes, which is more extensive than necessary in this case. Needle biopsy (B) and open biopsy (C) are not specific to lymph node evaluation and do not provide accurate staging information for breast cancer.
Question 5 of 5
An oncology patient has just returned from the postanesthesia care unit after an open hemicolectomy. This patients plan of nursing care should prioritize which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because assessing the patient's wound for dehiscence every 4 hours is crucial post hemicolectomy to monitor for any signs of wound complications, such as infection or tissue breakdown. This allows for early detection and intervention, promoting optimal wound healing and preventing potential complications. Choice A is incorrect as compartment syndrome is not a common complication after a hemicolectomy, and assessing for it hourly would be excessive and unnecessary. Choice B is incorrect as assessing fine motor skills is not a priority in the immediate postoperative period following a hemicolectomy. Choice D is incorrect as maintaining the patient's head of bed at 45 degrees or more is important for preventing respiratory complications, but it is not the top priority compared to wound assessment for dehiscence in this scenario.