A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is to begin external radiation therapy for cancer. Which of the following information should the nurse include?
"You might experience altered taste sensations."
"Use rubbing alcohol to remove the ink markings."
"Wear a binder over the radiation site."
"Wash your skin thoroughly with a washcloth after each treatment."
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
"You might experience altered taste sensations" is the correct statement. When providing teaching to a client about to undergo external radiation therapy for cancer, the nurse should include information about potential side effects and what to expect during the treatment. One common side effect of radiation therapy, especially when the treatment is focused on or near the head and neck region, is altered taste sensations. Radiation can affect the taste buds and lead to changes in how foods taste.
Choice B reason:
"Use rubbing alcohol to remove the ink markings. “The statement is incorrect. The ink markings made on the client's skin are used as reference points for the radiation therapy treatment. It is essential not to remove these markings, as they are crucial for accurate positioning during each treatment session. The nurse should instruct the client not to tamper with the markings, and the radiation therapy team will remove them when they are no longer needed.
Choice C reason:
"Wear a binder over the radiation site." The statement is incorrect. Wearing a binder over the radiation site is not a standard practice during external radiation therapy. The client should be instructed to follow the specific guidelines provided by the radiation therapy team regarding clothing and positioning during treatments. The use of binders or other tight clothing over the treatment area may not be recommended, as it can cause discomfort or interfere with the delivery of radiation.
Choice D reason
"Wash your skin thoroughly with a washcloth after each treatment." Is incorrect statement. During radiation therapy, the skin in the treatment area can become sensitive. It is essential for the client to follow the specific instructions provided by the radiation therapy team regarding skin care. Generally, the client should avoid using harsh soaps or scrubbing the skin vigorously. Instead, they should gently cleanse the area with a mild soap or as directed by their healthcare providers.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. Fish. Fish is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and prevent blood clots. Fish is also low in sodium, which is important for people with hypertension, as excess sodium can raise blood pressure by retaining fluid in the body. Fish is part of the DASH diet, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, and is a healthy eating plan that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, nuts, seeds, legumes, and lean meats.
Choice A. Cheese is wrong because cheese is high in sodium and saturated fat, which can increase blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Cheese should be limited or avoided by people with hypertension.
Choice C. Red meat is wrong because red meat is also high in sodium and saturated fat, as well as cholesterol, which can contribute to hypertension and heart disease.
Red meat should be eaten sparingly or replaced by leaner sources of protein like fish, poultry, or beans.
Choice D. Canned black beans are wrong because canned black beans are high in sodium, as most canned foods are preserved with salt. Canned black beans should be rinsed well before eating or replaced by dried or cooked black beans, which are lower in sodium and high in fiber, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which are beneficial for blood pressure control.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Completing an incident report is not the correct action. An incident report should be completed as part of the hospital's protocol to document the medication error and ensure appropriate follow-up and investigation.
Choice B reason:
Checking the client for indications of bleeding is the correct action to be taken. In this situation, the nurse's first priority should be to assess the client for indications of bleeding, as the client received a significantly higher dose of IV heparin than prescribed. Heparin is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent blood clots, and an overdose can increase the risk of bleeding.
After administering the wrong dose of medication, the nurse's immediate concern is the client's safety and well-being. Checking for signs of bleeding, such as petechiae, ecchymosis, hematomas, bleeding gums, melena (black, tarry stools), haematuria (blood in urine), or any other unusual bleeding, is crucial.
Choice C reason:
Monitor the client's aPTT levels: This is not the correct action to be taken. Monitoring the client's activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) levels is essential to assess the client's coagulation status and determine if the overdose of heparin has affected their clotting ability. The healthcare provider may adjust the heparin dosage based on the aPTT levels.
Choice D reason:
Notify the risk manager: This is not the correct action to be taken. The risk manager or appropriate supervisor should be informed about the medication error as soon as possible to initiate a thorough review of the incident and take necessary steps to prevent similar errors in the future.
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