Which initial assessment findings would the nurse expect in a client diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia ALL? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)
Ascites
Alopecia
Generalized edema
Petechiae
Epistaxis
Correct Answer : D,E
A) Ascites
Ascites, the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, is not a typical initial assessment finding in acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). While ascites can occur in some cancers or in cases of liver failure, it is not a hallmark or common finding in ALL. The focus in ALL would generally be on hematologic and immunologic symptoms rather than fluid accumulation in the abdomen.
B) Alopecia
Alopecia (hair loss) is more commonly associated with chemotherapy treatment for leukemia rather than the leukemia itself. While chemotherapy for ALL can lead to hair loss, it is not typically an initial symptom of the disease itself. Alopecia may appear later, as a side effect of cancer treatment.
C) Generalized edema
Generalized edema (swelling) is not a common or early sign of acute lymphocytic leukemia. While edema can occur in certain malignancies or complications (like in cases of renal failure or heart failure), it is not typically an initial presenting symptom of ALL. The key manifestations of ALL tend to relate to hematologic abnormalities, rather than fluid accumulation.
D) Petechiae
Petechiae (small, red or purple spots on the skin) are a common finding in ALL. They occur due to thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), which is a hallmark of leukemia. Thrombocytopenia impairs the blood’s ability to clot, leading to bleeding under the skin. Petechiae is often one of the first visible signs of blood dyscrasia in leukemia patients.
E) Epistaxis
Epistaxis (nosebleeds) is another common initial finding in ALL. Like petechiae, epistaxis occurs due to thrombocytopenia, which impairs normal clotting and leads to spontaneous bleeding. Nosebleeds are frequently observed in patients with low platelet counts, especially in leukemia.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Begins training to prepare to run a marathon next year:
This response is not characteristic of the stage of anger. Instead, this behavior suggests denial or possibly bargaining, as the client may be attempting to maintain a sense of normalcy or even hope in the face of a terminal illness like Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
B) Refuses to attend church and states that "his faith has failed him":
This statement reflects the anger stage of Kubler-Ross’s five stages of grief. During the anger stage, individuals often experience intense feelings of frustration, helplessness, and resentment about their situation. They may direct these emotions towards others, including higher powers or themselves. In this case, the client is expressing anger by blaming his circumstances and feeling abandoned by his faith, a common reaction when facing an irreversible condition like ALS.
C) Promises God to give up smoking if allowed to live until their children are married:
This behavior represents the bargaining stage of grief, not anger. In the bargaining phase, individuals may attempt to negotiate with a higher power or themselves, making promises or deals in exchange for a prolongation of life or a desired outcome. The client is trying to strike a "deal" by making promises for future behavior in exchange for a specific wish, reflecting bargaining rather than anger.
D) Gathers the family together in order to discuss what their last wishes are:
This scenario aligns more with the acceptance stage of grief. In the acceptance stage, individuals come to terms with their diagnosis and begin to make plans for the end of their life. The act of discussing last wishes indicates that the client is accepting the reality of their condition and preparing for what is to come.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Includes the head-to-toe anterior and posterior assessment:
While a head-to-toe physical assessment is important in trauma care, it is not the first priority. The primary assessment focuses on immediate life-threatening conditions, and the head-to-toe assessment would come after the initial stabilization of the patient's airway, breathing, circulation, and disability. A comprehensive physical examination is crucial but secondary to addressing urgent life threats.
B) Focuses on the ABCDE's to identify life-threatening problems:
The ABCDE's (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure) are the primary framework for assessing and stabilizing a trauma patient. This approach is used to identify and prioritize life-threatening problems. It ensures that the most critical issues, such as airway obstruction, respiratory failure, shock, and neurological deficits, are addressed first. This protocol is the gold standard in trauma care and is the most appropriate initial assessment in major trauma.
C) Includes the use of a standard pain scale and past medical/surgical history:
While it is important to assess pain and gather a medical history in the trauma patient, these are secondary considerations after addressing immediate threats to life. Pain management and obtaining a full history are crucial, but they are not as urgent as addressing airway, breathing, and circulation issues. These should be part of a more detailed secondary assessment once the patient is stable.
D) Consists of analyzing the results of the diagnostic testing:
Diagnostic testing, such as imaging studies and lab work, are important but are not the first priority. The primary assessment should focus on the ABCDE's. Diagnostic results are typically analyzed after the patient is stabilized, as they provide additional information but do not address immediate survival needs.
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