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 C
Explanation
Choice A: Bleeding between menses is not the correct answer because it is not a specific clinical manifestation of endometrial polyps. Bleeding between menses is a condition that causes spotting or bleeding at any time other than during the normal menstrual period. It can be caused by various factors such as hormonal imbalance, infection, or pregnancy. It can also occur in some women with endometrial polyps, but it is not a definitive sign of them.
Choice B: Bleeding after intercourse is not the correct answer because it is not a specific clinical manifestation of endometrial polyps. Bleeding after intercourse is a condition that causes bleeding from the vagina or cervix after sexual activity. It can be caused by various factors such as trauma, infection, or cancer. It can also occur in some women with endometrial polyps, but it is not a definitive sign of them.
Choice C: Metrorrhagia is the correct answer because it is a specific clinical manifestation of endometrial polyps. Metrorrhagia is a condition that causes irregular or excessive bleeding from the uterus that is unrelated to the menstrual cycle. It can be caused by various factors such as polyps, fibroids, or cancer. It is a common symptom of endometrial polyps, which are benign growths of the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) that can protrude into the uterine cavity and cause bleeding.
Choice D: Vaginal discharge is not the correct answer because it is not a specific clinical manifestation of endometrial polyps. Vaginal discharge is a fluid that comes out of the vagina and varies in color, consistency, and odor depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle, sexual activity, or health status. It can be caused by various factors such as normal secretions, infection, or inflammation. It is not a common symptom of endometrial polyps, which do not usually affect the vaginal flora or pH.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: Caffeine is not the correct answer because it does not interact with metronidazole. Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase alertness, energy, and heart rate. However, it has no effect on the effectiveness or side effects of metronidazole.
Choice B: Chocolate is not the correct answer because it does not interact with metronidazole. Chocolate is a food that contains caffeine, sugar, and fat. However, it has no effect on the effectiveness or side effects of metronidazole.
Choice C: Nicotine is not the correct answer because it does not interact with metronidazole. Nicotine is a substance that can be found in tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, or chewing tobacco. However, it has no effect on the effectiveness or side effects of metronidazole.
Choice D: Alcohol is the correct answer because it interacts with metronidazole. Alcohol is a substance that can be found in beverages, such as beer, wine, or liquor. It can cause a severe reaction when combined with metronidazole, resulting in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headache, flushing, and palpitations. Therefore, the nurse should instruct the client to avoid alcohol while taking metronidazole.
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