Which action should the nurse take when caring for a patient who ...

[geoffrey]

Which action should the nurse take when caring for a patient who is receiving chemotherapy and complains of problems with concentration?
 
  a. Teach the patient to rest the brain by avoiding new activities.
  b. Teach that chemo-brain is a short-term effect of chemotherapy.
  c. Report patient symptoms immediately to the health care provider.
  d. Suggest use of a daily planner and encourage adequate rest and sleep.

Question 2

When caring for a patient who is pancytopenic, which action by unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) indicates a need for the nurse to intervene?
 
  a. The UAP assists the patient to use dental floss after eating.
  b. The UAP adds baking soda to the patient's saline oral rinses.
  c. The UAP puts fluoride toothpaste on the patient's toothbrush.
  d. The UAP has the patient rinse after meals with a saline solution.

[chereeb]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Use of tools to enhance memory and concentration such as a daily planner and adequate rest are helpful for patients who develop chemo-brain while receiving chemotherapy. Patients should be encouraged to exercise the brain through new activities. Chemo-brain may be short- or long-term. There is no urgent need to report common chemotherapy side effects to the provider.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Use of dental floss is avoided in patients with pancytopenia because of the risk for infection and bleeding. The other actions are appropriate for oral care of a pancytopenic patient.