What skin care instructions should the nurse give to a patient receiving external beam radiation therapy for cancer treatment?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Avoid exposing the treated area to sunlight. This is important because radiation therapy can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, leading to increased risk of sunburn and skin damage. Sun exposure can worsen skin reactions and delay healing. Choice A is incorrect because heat sources like heating pads can exacerbate skin irritation. Choice B is incorrect as alcohol-based lotions can further irritate the skin. Choice D is incorrect as hot water and strong soap can be too harsh on the sensitive skin. Overall, protecting the treated area from sunlight is crucial for optimal skin care during radiation therapy.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Avoid intramuscular injections. Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by low platelet count, which can lead to impaired blood clotting. Intramuscular injections can cause bleeding and bruising due to the decreased ability of blood to clot. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid invasive procedures like intramuscular injections to prevent excessive bleeding in patients with thrombocytopenia. Encouraging light exercise (choice A) can be beneficial for overall health but may not directly address the risk of bleeding. Avoiding aspirin (choice C) is important as it can further increase the risk of bleeding. Using a soft toothbrush for oral care (choice D) is a good practice, but it does not directly address the risk associated with intramuscular injections in patients with thrombocytopenia.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: High Fowler's. This position helps improve lung expansion and breathing efficiency by maximizing chest expansion. Sitting upright reduces pressure on the diaphragm, allowing for better ventilation. Supine (A) position can worsen dyspnea by restricting lung expansion. Prone (B) position is not ideal for COPD patients as it can hinder breathing. Trendelenburg (D) position, where the patient's feet are elevated above the head, can increase pressure on the diaphragm and impair breathing, making it inappropriate for a patient experiencing severe dyspnea.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: C is correct because thiazide diuretics can cause fluid retention, leading to weight gain, which may indicate worsening heart failure or hypertension. Daily weight monitoring helps detect fluid retention early, enabling timely intervention. Summary: A: Incorrect. Thiazide diuretics can cause potassium loss, so avoiding potassium-rich foods is not necessary. B: Incorrect. Taking the medication in the morning is preferred to prevent nocturia and sleep disturbances. D: Incorrect. Fluid intake should not be limited unless advised by a healthcare provider to prevent dehydration.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Have the patient void immediately before the procedure. This step is crucial to prevent accidental puncture of the bladder during paracentesis. Voiding helps empty the bladder, reducing the risk of injury and ensuring a safer procedure. Incorrect choices: B: Position the patient flat in bed - Incorrect, as the patient should be in a sitting position with legs dangling over the side of the bed during the procedure. C: Administer a full liquid diet - Incorrect, as a full liquid diet is not necessary for paracentesis preparation. D: Encourage the patient to ambulate for 30 minutes - Incorrect, as ambulation is not relevant to preparing for paracentesis.