Answers to Part 3

ANSWERS:

1. Correct Answer: 1

Rationale:
Back pain is an early sign of spinal cord compression occurring in 95% of patients. The other symptoms are later signs.


2. Correct Answer: 2

Rationale:
Potentially life-threatening hypercalcemia can occur in cancers with destruction of bone. Other laboratory values are pertinent for overall patient management but are less specific to bone cancers.


3. Correct Answer: 3

Rationale:

The patient is not coping with the recent diagnosis of cancer and prospect of losing his leg. His decision to go hiking may be a form of denial, or possibly a veiled suicide threat. It is also possible that he has decided not to have any treatment; however, you need to make additional assessment about his decision and actions and help him to discuss alternatives and consequences. The other diagnoses may also apply, but if he leaves the hospital there will be no chance to address any other issues.


4. Correct Answer: 2

Rationale:
Tumor lysis syndrome can result in severe electrolyte imbalances and potential kidney failure. The other laboratory values are important to monitor to identify general chemotherapy side effects but are less pertinent to tumor lysis syndrome.


5. Correct Answer: 1,3,4,5

Rationale:
Women age 21 or over should have annual Pap smears, regardless of sexual activity. African-American men should begin prostate-specific antigen testing at age 45. Colonoscopy and annual fecal occult blood testing are recommended for those with average risk starting at age 50. Annual mammograms are recommended for women over the age of 40. Women age 65 or older who have normal results on previous Pap tests may forego additional screenings for cervical cancer.


6. Correct Answer: 2

Rationale:
Hyponatremia is a concern; therefore, fluid restrictions would be ordered. Urinalysis is less pertinent; however, the nurse should monitor for changes in urine specific gravity. The diet may need to include sodium supplements. Fluid bolus is unlikely to be ordered for patients with SIADH; however, IV normal saline or hypertonic saline solutions may be given very cautiously.


7. Correct Answer: 1

Rationale:
Morphine elixir is the therapy of choice because it is thought to reduce anxiety and the subjective sensation of air hunger. It also increases venous capacitance. End-of-life-care should not include aggressive measures such as intubation or resuscitation. Support and comfort are always welcome, but in this case you should not sit quietly because there is an option that would offer some physical relief for the patient.


8. Correct Answer: 3

Rationale:
Explain that you are not chemotherapy certified so that the charge nurse can quickly rearrange the patient assignments. You can assess the patient, site, and infusion; however, you do not have the expertise to recognize the side effects of the medication or to give specialized care that may be needed. Asking the nurse to stay is not the best solution, because the care of the patient and the effects of the medication continue after the infusion has been completed. Looking up the side effects of the drug is okay for your own information, but you are still not qualified to deal with this situation. In addition, knowing how to properly discontinue the infusion and dispose of the equipment are essential for your own safety and the safety of others.


9. Correct Answer: 3

Rationale:
Epinephrine is the initial drug of choice for treatment of anaphylaxis. Giving epinephrine rapidly at the onset of an anaphylactic reaction may prevent or reverse cardiovascular collapse as well as airway narrowing caused by bronchospasm and inflammation. Oxygen use is also appropriate, but oxygen would be administered using a nonrebreather mask in order to achieve a fraction of inspired oxygen closer to 100%. Albuterol may also be administered to decrease airway narrowing but would not be the first therapy used for anaphylaxis. IV access will take longer to establish and should not be the first intervention.


10. Correct Answer: 2

Rationale:
Nystatin should be in contact with the oral and esophageal tissues as long as possible for maximum effect. The other actions are also inappropriate and should be discussed with the student but do not require action as quickly. HIV-positive patients do not require droplet/contact precautions or visitor restrictions to prevent opportunistic infections. Hot or spicy foods are not usually well tolerated by patients with oral or esophageal fungal infections.

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