Author Question: A patient, age 63, has cancer of the left breast. After a modified radical mastectomy, she has been ... (Read 162 times)

sdfghj · **on:** Jul 11, 2018

A patient, age 63, has cancer of the left breast. After a modified radical mastectomy, she has been receiving chemotherapy. Her grandson, who visited a few days ago, now has varicella (chickenpox).

The nurse should observe her carefully for signs of a. herpes zoster.
b. herpes simplex type I.
c. herpes simplex type II.
d. impetigo.

Question 2

A patient with dementia has difficulty swallowing, and frequently coughs when eating. Recently, the patient has developed a nonproductive cough with a temperature of 99F.

The nurse is concerned that this patient is at risk for developing which health problem? A) Lung cancer
B) Chronic bronchitis
C) Aspiration and lung abscess
D) Chronic obstructive lung disease

CharlieArnold · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 11, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A
Herpes zoster is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox (Herpes varicella). The greatest risk occurs to patients who have a lowered resistance to infection, such as those on chemotherapy or large doses of prednisone, in whom the disease could be fatal because of the patient's compromised immune system.

Answer to Question 2

C
Feedback:
Aspiration of foreign material can cause a lung abscess, which is a risk in older people with decreased pharyngeal reflexes. Difficulty swallowing and coughing are not typical manifestations of chronic bronchitis, lung cancer, or chronic obstructive lung disease.