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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Serum sodium level. Rationale: While electrolyte imbalances can be significant, in the context of purulent drainage at a postoperative site, monitoring serum sodium levels is not the top priority. Other laboratory values are more relevant in this situation.
Choice B rationale:
Hematocrit. Rationale: Hematocrit measures the proportion of red blood cells in the blood and is not directly related to wound drainage or infection. It is not the most relevant parameter to assess in this situation.
Choice C rationale:
Neutrophil count. Rationale: Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the body's immune response, particularly against bacterial infections. Elevated neutrophil counts can indicate an ongoing infection, so monitoring this value is important when assessing purulent wound drainage.
Choice D rationale:
Platelet count. Rationale: Platelet count measures the number of blood clotting cells in the blood and is not directly related to wound drainage or infection. It is not the most relevant parameter to assess in this situation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is d. hypovolemic.
Choice A reason: This is not a good choice. Septic shock is a type of distributive shock that occurs when an infection causes a systemic inflammatory response that leads to vasodilation, hypotension, and organ dysfunction. Septic shock is not the most common type of shock in children, although it can be a serious and life-threatening condition.
Choice B reason: This is not a good choice. Anaphylactic shock is a type of distributive shock that occurs when an allergic reaction causes a severe and rapid hypersensitivity response that leads to bronchoconstriction, angioedema, and hypotension. Anaphylactic shock is not the most common type of shock in children, although it can be a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
Choice C reason: This is not a good choice. Distributive shock is a broad category of shock that occurs when there is a loss of vascular tone and blood volume distribution that leads to hypoperfusion and tissue hypoxia. Distributive shock can be caused by various factors, such as sepsis, anaphylaxis, neurogenic injury, or adrenal insufficiency. Distributive shock is not the most common type of shock in children, although it can be a complex and challenging condition to manage.
Choice D reason: This is the correct choice. Hypovolemic shock is the most common type of shock in children. Hypovolemic shock occurs when there is a loss of blood or fluid volume that leads to decreased preload, cardiac output, and blood pressure. Hypovolemic shock can be caused by various factors, such as hemorrhage, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, or burns. Hypovolemic shock can be a life-threatening condition that requires prompt fluid resuscitation and correction of the underlying cause.
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