A client on the oncology unit is receiving a chemotherapy agent, and the nurse is aware that a significant side effect of this medication is thrombocytopenia. For which symptom should the nurse assess in clients at risk for thrombocytopenia?
Petechiae
Decreased white blood cell count
Increased fatigue
Unexplained bone pain
The Correct Answer is A
A. Petechiae are small, red or purple spots on the skin that indicate bleeding under the skin and are a classic sign of thrombocytopenia, a condition characterized by a low platelet count.
B. A decreased white blood cell count is more indicative of leukopenia, not thrombocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia specifically affects platelet counts.
C. Increased fatigue can be a symptom of many conditions but is not specific to thrombocytopenia. It may occur due to anemia or other side effects of chemotherapy.
D. Unexplained bone pain is not a typical symptom of thrombocytopenia. It might be related to other conditions or side effects but is not specific to low platelet counts.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Thiamine deficiency is often associated with neurological symptoms, such as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, rather than spontaneous bleeding or bruising. Thiamine does not directly impact the coagulation process.
B. Vitamin C deficiency can lead to scurvy, which includes symptoms such as bleeding gums and poor wound healing. However, it is not typically associated with the spontaneous bleeding and bruising seen in chronic liver failure.
C. Vitamin K is essential for the synthesis of clotting factors produced by the liver. In chronic liver failure, the liver's ability to produce these factors is impaired, leading to an increased risk of bleeding and bruising due to vitamin K deficiency.
D. Folic acid deficiency is more commonly linked to anemia and certain neurological issues, but it does not cause spontaneous bleeding or bruising. It does not directly affect coagulation factors as vitamin K does.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. A higher fluid intake, ideally 2 to 3 liters per day, is typically recommended to help flush uric acid from the body and prevent gout attacks, not just 1 to 1.5 L.
B. Aspirin is not recommended for gout pain management; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids are more appropriate.
C. Focusing on losing weight to achieve a normal BMI is important for managing gout, as obesity is a risk factor for gout and can exacerbate symptoms. Weight loss can help reduce uric acid levels and improve overall management of the condition.
D. Allopurinol is used for long-term management to reduce uric acid levels and prevent attacks, but it is not used during acute attacks. Colchicine or NSAIDs are more appropriate for acute gout attacks.
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