patient is experiencing bone marrow depression as a result of chemotherapy. Which assessment should the nurse expect because of this health problem?
platelet count of 50.000
nausea and vomiting
temperature of 38.9 C (102F)
alopecia
The Correct Answer is C
A. Platelet count of 50,000 is low (normal is usually 150,000-450,000), and this can be associated with bone marrow depression caused by chemotherapy. However, bone marrow depression itself doesn't cause a fever directly. The low platelet count increases the risk of bleeding, but it wouldn't necessarily lead to a temperature elevation by itself.
B. Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of chemotherapy but are not directly related to bone marrow depression. Bone marrow depression typically affects the production of blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets), but nausea and vomiting are more directly associated with the chemotherapy agents themselves rather than the resulting bone marrow suppression.
C. A fever of 38.9°C (102°F) could indicate an infection, which is a serious risk for patients with bone marrow depression due to chemotherapy. The suppression of white blood cell (WBC) production from chemotherapy leads to neutropenia, leaving the patient more vulnerable to infections. A fever in this context is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention, as it may signify a bacterial or fungal infection, which could be life-threatening in an immunocompromised patient.
D. Alopecia (hair loss) is a well-known side effect of chemotherapy, but it is not a direct consequence of bone marrow depression. It is more related to the chemotherapy drugs affecting rapidly dividing cells, like those in hair follicles. While it is a common and distressing symptom, it is not an indicator of bone marrow function or depression.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Jugular vein distention and +3 peripheral edema are signs of right-sided heart failure, which can result from worsening mitral stenosis. As the mitral valve becomes more narrowed, it leads to increased pressure in the left atrium and eventually backs up into the lungs and right side of the heart, causing fluid retention.
B. An increase in systolic blood pressure by 10 mmHg does not directly indicate worsening mitral stenosis. Blood pressure changes can occur for various reasons but are not as specific as signs of heart failure in this context.
C. Complaints of epigastric pain after eating a large meal are typically related to gastrointestinal issues rather than directly indicating worsening mitral stenosis.
D. Complaints of dyspnea while completing activities of daily living (ADLs) can be a sign of worsening mitral stenosis, but the additional signs of jugular vein distention and edema are more definitive indicators of worsening disease.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Dysphagia is a common symptom of esophageal cancer itself, not necessarily a sign of liver metastasis. Dysphagia occurs due to the tumor obstructing the esophagus.
B. Jaundice, characterized by a yellowing of the skin and sclera, can indicate liver dysfunction or metastasis to the liver. When cancer spreads to the liver, it can disrupt its normal functioning, leading to an accumulation of bilirubin in the body, causing jaundice.
C. Vomiting can occur in esophageal cancer due to obstruction or in advanced stages of the disease, but it is not a direct sign of metastasis to the liver.
D. Hypercalcemia can occur in some cancers, but it is not a typical manifestation of liver metastasis from esophageal cancer. It is more commonly seen in cancers such as breast, lung, or multiple myeloma.
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