The nurse is caring for a patient receiving external radiation for lung cancer.
What nursing considerations will the nurse implement to reduce the risks related to this treatment?
Place the patient in a private, lead-lined room during hospitalization.
Ensure all staff caring for the patient wear a dosimeter badge to track the radiation exposure.
Monitor the patient's skin integrity and avoid exposing the irradiated area to extreme heat or cold.
Restrict all visitors and post radioactive precautions signs on the patient's door.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Placing the patient in a private, lead-lined room is unnecessary for external radiation therapy, which does not make the patient radioactive. This consideration is more applicable to internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy), where radioactive materials are placed inside the body.
Choice B rationale
While dosimeter badges are essential for monitoring radiation exposure, they are more relevant for healthcare workers who may be exposed to radiation, not for patients receiving external radiation therapy. The patient themselves are not a source of radiation exposure.
Choice C rationale
Monitoring the patient's skin integrity is crucial because external radiation can cause skin irritation and damage. Avoiding exposure to extreme heat or cold helps prevent additional skin trauma and promotes healing.
Choice D rationale
Restricting visitors and posting radioactive precautions signs are unnecessary for patients receiving external radiation therapy. These precautions are more applicable to internal radiation therapy, where the patient may emit radiation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice D.
Choice A rationale
Weight loss in a patient with hyperthyroidism typically occurs due to an increased metabolic rate. Propylthiouracil (PTU) is used to decrease thyroid hormone production. Effective treatment would stabilize metabolism and prevent further weight loss, but not necessarily result in weight gain.
Choice B rationale
Excessive sweating (perspiration) is a common symptom of hyperthyroidism due to an overactive thyroid gland. PTU aims to reduce thyroid hormone levels. Effective treatment should lead to a decrease in sweating as the metabolic rate normalizes.
Choice C rationale
Excess energy and hyperactivity are signs of untreated or inadequately treated hyperthyroidism. PTU reduces the production of thyroid hormones, and effective treatment should alleviate symptoms of excessive energy, resulting in more balanced energy levels.
Choice D rationale
Improved sleep and rest at night indicate effective management of hyperthyroidism. Reduced thyroid hormone levels from PTU help alleviate symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia, allowing the patient to achieve better sleep quality. .
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Notifying the healthcare provider is the appropriate first action when significant ecchymosis is observed in a patient with Cushing's syndrome, as it may indicate a need for medical intervention.
Choice B rationale
Administering insulin is not relevant as the primary concern here is the ecchymosis, not hyperglycemia.
Choice C rationale
While providing skin care is important, it does not address the potential underlying cause of the ecchymosis, necessitating provider notification first.
Choice D rationale
Monitoring intake and output and daily weight is a general care measure but does not address the immediate concern of ecchymosis observed.
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