A child needs surgery to resect a tumor, but is scheduled for ...

[tuffie]

A child needs surgery to resect a tumor, but is scheduled for several weeks of radiation therapy first. The parents are frustrated and want to know why the surgery that can cure the cancer is being delayed.
 
  Which response by the nurse is the most appropriate?
  A.
  Children who have radiation first generally do better than others.
  B.
  If the radiation destroys the tumor, surgery will not be needed.
  C.
  Radiation will shrink the tumor, making it easier to get all of it out.
  D.
  The surgeons must be worried that they cannot get the whole tumor.

Question 2

A nurse works on the pediatric oncology floor. After receiving the handoff report, which child does the nurse assess first?
 
  A.
  Child on protective isolation
  B.
  4 hours post-bone marrow biopsy
  C.
  Not eating an hour after chemotherapy
  D.
  Temperature of 101.5 F (38.5 C)

[fwbard]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Often radiation or chemotherapy is used prior to surgical resection to shrink the size of the tumor, maximizing the chances of complete removal. The other responses are not accurate.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
This fever indicates a probable infection. The nurse will see this child first and provide report to the physician, if this has not already been done. This child is the sickest and should be seen first; one might be tempted to see the child in protective isolation first to avoid cross-contamination, but by following isolation precautions, this risk is minimized. Not eating after chemotherapy is not cause for concern, and the child 4 hours post-bone marrow biopsy should be stable.