Which instruction is most important for the nurse to provide a client who is receiving radiation therapy for lung cancer when teaching about skin care?
ice packs may be applied to the site for 30 minutes every hour for comfort
Incorporate rest periods throughout the day
Do not share bathrooms/toilets with others for 48 hours after treatment
Wear loose, soft clothing over the treated area
The Correct Answer is D
A) Ice packs may be applied to the site for 30 minutes every hour for comfort:
This is not an appropriate recommendation for skin care related to radiation therapy. Applying ice packs to the skin can cause vasoconstriction and might worsen skin irritation or damage from radiation. Instead, the patient should be advised to avoid extreme temperatures, including hot or cold compresses, which could exacerbate skin issues in the radiation field.
B) Incorporate rest periods throughout the day:
While rest is important for overall well-being during radiation therapy, this instruction does not directly address the skin care needs associated with radiation. The primary concern with radiation therapy is protecting the skin from further irritation and damage, so specific skin care measures are more crucial in this context than general rest periods.
C) Do not share bathrooms/toilets with others for 48 hours after treatment:
This instruction is not necessary for most patients undergoing radiation therapy, especially for lung cancer. The concern about not sharing bathrooms or toilets generally applies to patients receiving brachytherapy or radioactive implants, where radiation is placed inside the body. For external radiation, there is no risk of contamination through shared bathroom use.
D) Wear loose, soft clothing over the treated area:
This is the most appropriate instruction for skin care during radiation therapy. Radiation therapy can cause the skin to become tender, red, and irritated, so wearing loose, soft clothing will help minimize friction and pressure on the skin. Tight or rough clothing can irritate the radiation site, increasing the risk of skin breakdown. Loose, breathable fabrics like cotton can help keep the skin comfortable and allow it to heal while protecting it from further damage.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) IM epinephrine is the fastest route of administration:
While epinephrine is often administered intramuscularly in cases of anaphylaxis and allergic reactions, the speed of action is not the primary reason for choosing this route over intravenous (IV) administration in this situation. Intramuscular administration of epinephrine allows for a rapid onset of action, but it is not necessarily the fastest route compared to IV. IV administration would act more quickly in an emergency setting where immediate blood circulation is critical, but IM is preferred in allergic reactions to prevent excessive systemic effects and to avoid rapid peaks in plasma levels.
B) IV epinephrine is only administered during cardiac arrest:
Epinephrine is generally administered intravenously during life-threatening situations such as cardiac arrest or severe shock, where immediate circulatory effects are needed. In cases of anaphylaxis, however, intramuscular (IM) administration of epinephrine is the preferred route because it allows for a more controlled absorption rate and reduces the risk of excessive blood pressure and other adverse cardiovascular effects. This is the correct rationale for why epinephrine is administered IM in the context of an allergic reaction.
C) Epinephrine would not be administered in this situation:
Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for severe allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, especially in cases where symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, urticaria, and itching are present. Therefore, withholding epinephrine is not an appropriate response in this situation. Immediate intervention with epinephrine is critical to reverse the symptoms of anaphylaxis and prevent further respiratory distress or cardiovascular collapse.
D) IM epinephrine is less concentrated than IV:
The concentration of epinephrine used for IM and IV administration is the same. The primary reason for choosing the IM route over the IV route is the slower absorption and the fact that it minimizes the risk of a rapid increase in systemic blood pressure and other adverse reactions. While IM epinephrine may be absorbed more slowly than IV, its concentration is appropriate for treating anaphylaxis effectively. The choice of IM is based on safety and controlled response, not on the concentration of the drug.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Packed Red Blood Cells (PRBCs):
Packed Red Blood Cells are typically transfused when there is anemia or significant blood loss leading to low hemoglobin levels. In the case of warfarin overdose or elevated PT/INR, the problem is related to coagulation and not red blood cell count.
B) Platelets:
Platelets are typically transfused when there is thrombocytopenia or a need to address platelet dysfunction (e.g., in patients with bleeding due to low platelet counts). However, the elevated PT and INR in this case are related to the coagulation cascade being inhibited by warfarin, not platelet deficiency.
C) Cryoprecipitate:
Cryoprecipitate is primarily used to replace clotting factors such as fibrinogen, factor VIII, and von Willebrand factor. It is typically transfused in patients with hemophilia or bleeding disorders related to low fibrinogen levels. However, in this case, the issue is related to warfarin-induced inhibition of clotting factors (specifically the vitamin K-dependent factors: II, VII, IX, and X), not a deficiency in fibrinogen or specific clotting factors addressed by cryoprecipitate.
D) Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP):
Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) is the most appropriate choice for this patient. FFP contains all the coagulation factors, including the vitamin K-dependent factors that warfarin inhibits. When a patient on warfarin presents with elevated PT and INR (which indicates impaired clotting ability), FFP is used to replace the clotting factors and help reverse the effects of warfarin.
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