CH 12 Management of Patients with Oncologic Disorders

The public health nurse is presenting a health promotion class to a group at a local

community center. Which intervention most directly addresses the leading cause of

cancer deaths in North America?

• Monthly self-breast exams

• Smoking cessation

• Annual colonoscopies

• Monthly testicular exams

A nurse who works in an oncology clinic is assessing a client who has arrived for a

2-month follow-up appointment following chemotherapy. The nurse notes that the

client's skin appears yellow. Which blood tests should be done to further explore this

clinical sign?

• Liver function tests (LFTs)

• Complete blood count (CBC)

• Platelet count

• Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine

The nurse is conducting a health education about cancer prevention to a group of

adults. What menu best demonstrates dietary choices for potentially reducing the risks

of cancer?

• Smoked salmon and green beans

• Pork chops and fried green tomatoes

• Baked apricot chicken and steamed broccoli

• Liver, onions, and steamed peas

Which nursing action best demonstrates primary cancer prevention?

• Encouraging yearly Pap tests

• Teaching testicular self-examination

• Promoting and providing vaccines

• Facilitating screening mammograms

A woman with a family history of breast cancer received a positive result on a breast

tumor marking test and is requesting a bilateral mastectomy. This surgery is an example

of which type of oncologic surgery?

• Salvage surgery

• Palliative surgery

• Prophylactic surgery

• Reconstructive surgery

The nurse is caring for a client who is to begin receiving external radiation for a

malignant tumor of the neck. While providing client education, what potential adverse

effects should the nurse discuss with the client?

• Impaired nutritional status

• Cognitive changes

• Diarrhea

• Alopecia

While a client is receiving intravenous (IV) doxorubicin hydrochloride for the treatment

of cancer, the nurse observes swelling and pain at the IV site. The nurse should prioritize

which action?

• Stopping the administration of the drug immediately

• Notifying the client's health care provider

• Continuing the infusion but decreasing the rate

• Applying a warm compress to the infusion site

A client newly diagnosed with cancer is scheduled to begin chemotherapy treatment

and the nurse is providing anticipatory guidance about potential adverse effects. When

addressing the most common adverse effect, what should the nurse describe?

• Pruritis (itching)

• Nausea and vomiting

• Altered glucose metabolism

• Confusion

A client 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 clients at risk for thrombocytopenia?

• Interrupted sleep pattern

• Hot flashes

• Epistaxis

• Increased weight

The nurse manager is orienting a new nurse to the oncology unit. When reviewing the

safe administration of antineoplastic agents, which action should the nurse manager

emphasize?

• Adjust the dose to the client's present symptoms.

• Wash hands with an alcohol-based cleanser following administration.

• Use gloves and a lab coat when preparing the medication.

• Dispose of the antineoplastic wastes in the hazardous waste receptacle.