The practical nurse (PN) learns that a client who is receiving chemotherapy has developed stomatitis.
Which information should the PN obtain from the client during a focused assessment?
Urinary output.
Ability to swallow.
Frequency of bowel movements.
Blood pressure while standing.
The Correct Answer is B
Stomatitis refers to the inflammation of the mouth and oral mucosa, which can cause pain and difficulty swallowing. In the context of a client receiving chemotherapy, stomatitis is a common side effect that can occur due to the effects of chemotherapy on rapidly dividing cells, including those in the oral cavity. When a client develops stomatitis, it is important for the practical nurse (PN) to obtain information about the client's ability to swallow during a focused assessment. This is because stomatitis can significantly impact a client's ability to eat and drink comfortably, which can lead to dehydration and malnutrition. Assessing the client's ability to swallow helps determine the extent of the issue and guides appropriate interventions and support.
Let's briefly evaluate the other options:
a) Urinary output.
Urinary output is not directly related to stomatitis. Stomatitis primarily affects the oral cavity, and its impact on urinary output is minimal or nonexistent. While monitoring urinary output is important for assessing hydration status, it is not the priority in this situation.
c) Frequency of bowel movements.
The frequency of bowel movements is unrelated to stomatitis. Stomatitis primarily affects the mouth, and its presence does not directly influence bowel movements. Assessing bowel movements may be relevant for other concerns, but it is not specifically related to stomatitis.
d) Blood pressure while standing.
Blood pressure while standing, also known as orthostatic blood pressure, is not directly relevant to stomatitis. Stomatitis primarily affects the oral cavity and does not typically have a direct impact on blood pressure. Assessing blood pressure while standing may be appropriate for other health concerns, such as orthostatic hypotension, but it is not the priority in this situation.
In summary, when a client receiving chemotherapy develops stomatitis, the practical nurse should focus on assessing the client's ability to swallow as it directly relates to the impact of stomatitis on the client's nutrition and hydration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is D. Notify your healthcare provider if you start having abdominal pain.
Choice A rationale:
Exenatide does not act in the same way as insulin. Insulin directly lowers blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells, while exenatide is an incretin mimetic that enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion and slows gastric emptying.
Choice B rationale:
Exenatide should be injected within 30 minutes before or after a meal, but this is not the most critical information for discharge instructions.
Choice C rationale:
There are precautions about taking exenatide with other medications, especially those that affect kidney function or interact with exenatide.
Choice D rationale:
Notifying the healthcare provider if abdominal pain starts is crucial because exenatide can cause side effects such as pancreatitis, which presents with severe abdominal pain. Early detection and intervention are essential for patient safety.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Checking the client's temperature is important for assessing the client's condition, but it is not a priority before administering penicillin G IV for meningitis.
Choice B rationale:
Assessing the client's level of consciousness is essential for monitoring neurological status, but it is not the highest priority action before administering penicillin G IV for meningitis.
Choice C rationale:
Asking the client about any history of allergies is important for assessing potential allergic reactions to medications. However, the most critical action before administering penicillin G IV for meningitis is to obtain a blood sample for culture and sensitivity. This action helps identify the causative organism and guides appropriate antibiotic therapy, as meningitis can be life-threatening and requires prompt treatment.
Choice D rationale:
Obtaining a blood sample for culture and sensitivity is the highest priority action before administering penicillin G IV for meningitis. Identifying the specific pathogen responsible for the infection is crucial for selecting the most effective antibiotic therapy and preventing complications.
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