A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving chemotherapy. The client's most recent lab results show a white blood cell count of 3,100/mm3, and a platelet count of 280,000/mm3. Based on these lab results, which nursing action is appropriate for this client?

Provide the client with an electric shaver for grooming.

Move the client to a negative pressure isolation room.

Encourage the client to select cooked vegetables rather than a salad for their lunch tray.

Educate the client to dab their nose, rather than forcefully blow their nose.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A.   This option is appropriate because the client's low white blood cell count (3,100/mm³) suggests they are at risk for infection due to chemotherapy-induced immunosuppression. Using an electric shaver reduces the risk of cuts and nicks that could potentially lead to infections.

B.   This option is not necessary based on the client's current lab results. Negative pressure isolation rooms are typically reserved for clients with severely compromised immune systems, such as those with very low neutrophil counts (neutropenia). A white blood cell count of 3,100/mm³ is within a range where standard precautions are usually sufficient.
C.   This option addresses food safety precautions for clients with neutropenia (low white blood cell count). Raw vegetables, including salads, have a higher risk of harboring bacteria that could cause infections. Therefore, cooked vegetables are safer for clients with compromised immune systems.
D.   This option is appropriate because chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (low platelet count of 280,000/mm³) increases the risk of bleeding. Forceful blowing of the nose can traumatize the nasal mucosa and increase the risk of nosebleeds. Dabbing the nose gently is a safer method to avoid nosebleeds.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Cancer cells typically lose their specialized functions and characteristics that normal cells have. This loss of differentiation is known as dedifferentiation, where cancer cells become less specialized and more primitive in nature. This allows them to proliferate rapidly and invade surrounding tissues.
B. Contact inhibition refers to the normal process where cells stop dividing when they come into contact with neighboring cells. In cancer cells, this mechanism is disrupted, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation. Cancer cells continue to divide and grow even when they are in close contact with other cells, which contributes to tumor formation and progression.
C. Cancer cells often acquire mutations that impair their ability to repair DNA damage effectively. This can lead to an accumulation of genetic mutations over time, which is a hallmark of cancer development. While some cancer cells may still have mechanisms to repair DNA damage, they are often less efficient compared to normal cells, leading to genomic instability and further mutation accumulation.
D. Normal cells follow a tightly regulated cell cycle with specific checkpoints that ensure orderly progression through phases such as G1, S, G2, and M phases. In contrast, cancer cells often have dysregulated cell cycle control. They may bypass checkpoints that normally control cell division, leading to uncontrolled proliferation and growth.

A. Retropulsion B. Impaired handwriting C. Muscle soreness and pain D. Slow movements

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Retropulsion is a classic manifestation of postural instability in Parkinson's disease. It refers to a tendency to lose balance and fall backward, especially when attempting to initiate walking or when challenged with external forces.
B. Impaired handwriting, also known as micrographia, is associated with bradykinesia (slowness of movement) in Parkinson's disease. It manifests as progressively smaller and more cramped handwriting.

C. Muscle soreness and pain can occur in Parkinson's disease, but they are not typically directly associated with postural instability. They may occur due to rigidity (muscle stiffness) or abnormal postures maintained over time.
D. Slow movements, or bradykinesia, are a hallmark feature of Parkinson's disease and are characterized by a gradual reduction in the speed and fluidity of voluntary movements. While related to motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease, slow movements are not specific to postural instability.

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A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving chemotherapy. The client's most recent lab results show a white blood cell count of 3,100/mm3, and a platelet count of 280,000/mm3. Based on these lab results, which nursing action is appropriate for this client?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which of the following describes a characteristic of cancer cells?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The classic manifestations associated with Parkinson's disease are tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability. The nurse understands that a finding related to postural instability includes which of the following?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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