A woman with breast cancer is undergoing chemotherapy. Which side effect would the nurse interpret as being most serious?
Vomiting
Fatigue
Hair loss
Myelosuppression
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A: Vomiting is not the most serious side effect because it is a common and manageable side effect of chemotherapy. Vomiting is a reflex action that expels the contents of the stomach through the mouth. It can be caused by various factors such as nausea, motion sickness, or infection. It can also be caused by chemotherapy, which can irritate the lining of the stomach or trigger the vomiting center in the brain. Vomiting can be prevented or treated with antiemetic drugs, hydration, and dietary changes.
Choice B: Fatigue is not the most serious side effect because it is a common and manageable side effect of chemotherapy. Fatigue is a condition that causes extreme tiredness or exhaustion that is not relieved by rest or sleep. It can be caused by various factors such as anemia, inflammation, or pain. It can also be caused by chemotherapy, which can damage healthy cells and tissues and affect the body's energy production. Fatigue can be managed with exercise, nutrition, and stress reduction.
Choice C: Hair loss is not the most serious side effect because it is a common and temporary side effect of chemotherapy. Hair loss is a condition that causes hair to fall out from the scalp or other parts of the body. It can be caused by various factors such as genetics, hormones, or infection. It can also be caused by chemotherapy, which can target rapidly dividing cells such as hair follicles and prevent hair growth. Hair loss usually occurs within two to four weeks after starting chemotherapy and reverses within six months after stopping chemotherapy.
Choice D: Myelosuppression is the most serious side effect because it is a rare and life-threatening side effect of chemotherapy. Myelosuppression is a condition that causes a decrease in the production of blood cells in the bone marrow. It can lead to anemia (low red blood cells), neutropenia (low white blood cells), and thrombocytopenia (low platelets), which can cause symptoms such as weakness, infection, and bleeding. It can also be caused by chemotherapy, which can target rapidly dividing cells such as bone marrow cells and impair blood cell formation. Myelosuppression requires close monitoring and treatment with blood transfusions, growth factors, or antibiotics.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: "A provider can help you with that after a physical examination." This response is appropriate and respectful because it acknowledges the client's right to choose a contraceptive method that suits her needs and preferences. It also encourages the client to seek professional advice and care from a provider who can assess her health status, medical history, and risk factors, and offer her a range of options and information.
Choice B: "You are so young. Are you ready for the responsibilities of a sexual relationship?" This response is inappropriate and judgmental because it implies that the client is too immature or irresponsible to have a sexual relationship. It also discourages the client from seeking help or information from the nurse and may make her feel ashamed or guilty about her sexuality.
Choice C: "Because of your age, I think that a barrier method would be the best choice." This response is inappropriate and paternalistic because it assumes that the nurse knows what is best for the client without considering her individual situation or preferences. It also limits the client's options and may not address her specific needs or concerns.
Choice D: "Before I can help you, I need to know more about your sexual activity." This response is inappropriate and intrusive because it asks for personal and sensitive information that may not be relevant or necessary for choosing a contraceptive method. It also violates the client's privacy and may make her feel uncomfortable or embarrassed.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: Sexual experience is not the correct answer because it is not related to female reproductive development. Sexual experience is a personal and subjective term that can vary depending on the individual's definition, values, and preferences. It has no biological or physiological significance for female reproductive development.
Choice B: Menstrual period is the correct answer because it is related to female reproductive development. The menstrual period is a cyclic phenomenon that occurs when the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) is shed along with blood and mucus through the vagina. It marks the onset of puberty and fertility in females. Menarche is the term used to describe the first menstrual period in a woman's life.
Choice C: Sign of breast development is not the correct answer because it is not related to female reproductive development. A sign of breast development is a physical change that occurs during puberty in females. It involves the growth and maturation of the mammary glands, which are responsible for producing milk during lactation. However, it does not indicate the start of menstruation or fertility in females.
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