Author Question: After change-of-shift report on the oncology unit, which patient should the nurse assess first? ... (Read 59 times)

kwoodring · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

After change-of-shift report on the oncology unit, which patient should the nurse assess first?

a. Patient who has a platelet count of 82,000/L after chemotherapy
b. Patient who has xerostomia after receiving head and neck radiation
c. Patient who is neutropenic and has a temperature of 100.5 F (38.1 C)
d. Patient who is worried about getting the prescribed long-acting opioid on time

Question 2

The nurse at the clinic is interviewing a 64-year-old woman who is 5 feet, 3 inches tall and weighs 125 pounds (57 kg). The patient has not seen a health care provider for 20 years. She walks 5 miles most days and has a glass of wine 2 or 3 times a week.

Which topics will the nurse plan to include in patient teaching about cancer screening and decreasing cancer risk (select all that apply)?
a. Pap testing
b. Tobacco use
c. Sunscreen use
d. Mammography
e. Colorectal screening

welcom1000 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Temperature elevation is an emergency in neutropenic patients because of the risk for rapid progression to severe infections and sepsis. The other patients also require assessments or interventions, but do not need to be assessed as urgently. Patients with thrombocytopenia do not have spontaneous bleeding until the platelets are 20,000/L. Xerostomia does not require immediate intervention. Although breakthrough pain needs to be addressed rapidly, the patient does not appear to have breakthrough pain.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A, C, D, E
The patient's age, gender, and history indicate a need for screening and/or teaching about colorectal cancer, mammography, Pap smears, and sunscreen. The patient does not use excessive alcohol or tobacco, she is physically active, and her body weight is healthy.