The client receives cisplatin (Platinol) as therapy for cancer. ...

[chandani]

The client receives cisplatin (Platinol) as therapy for cancer. Which assessment finding would prompt the nurse to contact the client's physician immediately?
 
  1. A temperature greater than 101F
  2. An elevation in blood glucose
  3. Nausea and projectile vomiting
  4. A complaint of painful leg cramps

Question 2

The female client has lost her thick straight hair due to treatment with cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan). She is distraught and feels that no one will want to look at her. What will the best plan by the nurse include?
 
  1. Plan to show the client photos of cancer survivors whose hair grew back better.
  2. Plan to have a cancer survivor visit the client and discuss wearing a wig.
  3. Tell the client that this is an opportunity to have curly hair.
  4. Plan to discuss the client's feelings about the effects of her hair loss.

[perkiness]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: A temperature greater than 101 F can indicate an infection, which can be life threatening because low WBCs are an adverse effect of cisplatin.
Rationale 2: An elevation in blood glucose could be related to pancreatitis, which is not an adverse effect of cisplatin.
Rationale 3: Nausea and vomiting are common side effects and are not life threatening.
Rationale 4: Painful leg cramps are not an adverse effect of cisplatin.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: Showing the client photos will not help, as her hair may not grow back better.
Rationale 2: Having a cancer survivor visit to talk about wigs is not the best intervention at the present time.
Rationale 3: Hair often does grow in differently such as curly instead of straight or a different color. However, this is not the best intervention at this time.
Rationale 4: The client needs to discuss and explore the meaning of her hair loss to deal with her feelings; this is the most therapeutic plan.

[chandani]

Excellent

Gracias!