A nurse is planning care for a client who is receiving targeted radiation therapy to the neck. The nurse should plan to monitor the client for which of the following as an adverse effect of this therapy?
Constipation
Decreased tear production
Mouth ulcers
Peripheral neuropathy
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Constipation can be a side effect of many cancer treatments, including radiation therapy. However, it is not commonly associated with targeted radiation therapy to the neck. Constipation is more often related to opioid pain medications, decreased physical activity, or dietary changes that a patient may experience during cancer treatment.
Choice B reason: Decreased tear production is not a typical side effect of targeted radiation therapy to the neck. This condition, known as dry eye syndrome, is more commonly associated with radiation therapy that affects the eye or orbital area directly.
Choice C reason: Mouth ulcers, also known as mucositis, are a common adverse effect of radiation therapy to the neck. Radiation can damage the mucosal lining of the mouth, leading to painful sores that can affect a patient's ability to eat, speak, and swallow. These ulcers typically develop one to two weeks after starting treatment and may persist for some time after the treatment ends.
Choice D reason: Peripheral neuropathy, which involves damage to the peripheral nerves and often results in symptoms like numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands and feet, is not a common side effect of radiation therapy to the neck. It is more frequently associated with certain chemotherapeutic agents or radiation therapy to areas of the body where peripheral nerves are located.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: A heart rate of 60/min is within the normal range for an adult, and while it may be considered on the lower end, it is not in itself an indication to increase dopamine dosage. Dopamine is used to increase heart rate and cardiac output, but a rate of 60/min does not typically warrant an increase in dosage unless accompanied by other signs of inadequate perfusion.
Choice B reason: An oxygen saturation of 95% is within the normal range for arterial blood gases and is not an indication to increase dopamine dosage. Oxygen saturation reflects the percentage of hemoglobin binding sites in the bloodstream occupied by oxygen.
Choice C reason: A blood pressure of 90/50 mm Hg is considered low and can be an indication for increasing the dopamine dosage in a client with hypovolemic shock. Dopamine increases blood pressure by vasoconstriction and increasing cardiac output, which is critical in managing shock.
Choice D reason: A respiratory rate of 14/min is within the normal range for adults and is not an indication to increase dopamine dosage. The respiratory rate should be monitored for changes that could indicate worsening of the client's condition, but on its own, it does not dictate adjustments to dopamine therapy.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: The Mantoux skin test, also known as the tuberculin skin test, measures the immune response to the tuberculin purified protein derivative injected into the skin. An induration of less than 1 mm is not considered a positive result. However, the size of the induration in the Mantoux test does not indicate whether the person is infectious or not.
Choice B reason: Negative sputum cultures for acid-fast bacillus (AFB) are a strong indication that the client is no longer infectious. Pulmonary tuberculosis is diagnosed and monitored by the presence of AFB in the sputum. When the sputum cultures are negative, it suggests that the client is not excreting the bacteria and is less likely to spread the infection to others.
Choice C reason: While no longer coughing up blood-tinged sputum is a sign of clinical improvement, it does not necessarily mean that the client is no longer infectious. The absence of blood in the sputum may indicate reduced inflammation or healing of lung tissue, but the client could still be capable of transmitting tuberculosis if AFB is present in the sputum.
Choice D reason: The Quantiferon-TB Gold test is a blood test that measures the immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens. A positive result indicates that the person's immune system has been exposed to the bacteria, but it does not determine if the person is infectious. The term "positive (negative)" is contradictory and does not provide clear information about the client's infectious status.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
