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 D
Explanation
A) Maintaining strict bedrest for first 24 hours:
While bedrest is often recommended in the early stages following a myocardial infarction (MI), the priority nursing intervention is to reduce oxygen demand on the heart, which can be achieved through pain management and controlling the workload on the heart, rather than solely relying on bedrest. Bedrest alone may not address the underlying physiological needs of the heart, such as reducing ischemia or controlling pain.
B) Measuring urine output hourly and performing daily weights:
Monitoring urine output and performing daily weights are important in managing fluid balance, especially for those with heart failure or volume overload. However, in the acute phase of an anterior wall myocardial infarction, the priority intervention is addressing the oxygen demand on the heart and providing pain relief, which is more immediate in stabilizing the client and reducing myocardial injury.
C) Keeping the environment quiet to decrease cardiac workload:
While creating a calm and quiet environment helps in reducing stress and decreasing cardiac workload, it is still secondary to actively managing the oxygen demand of the heart. Decreasing the workload of the heart is essential, but this is done more effectively through interventions such as pain management, oxygen therapy, and medications that reduce myocardial oxygen demand (e.g., nitroglycerin, beta-blockers).
D) Reducing oxygen demand and providing pain control:
This is the highest priority intervention for a client who has suffered an acute anterior wall myocardial infarction (MI). Pain from an MI increases the heart's oxygen demand and can exacerbate ischemia. Pain relief, often with morphine, not only reduces pain but also helps in vasodilation, reducing the heart's workload. Additionally, oxygen therapy should be given to ensure adequate oxygenation, and medications like beta-blockers, nitroglycerin, and ACE inhibitors are used to reduce the workload of the heart.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Ondansetron and Metoclopramide:
Ondansetron is an antiemetic used to prevent nausea and vomiting, and Metoclopramide is a medication that promotes gastric emptying and is often used to treat nausea and gastroesophageal reflux. Neither of these medications are typically associated with ototoxicity. Ototoxicity is more commonly seen with medications that affect the inner ear or auditory pathways, particularly those that are used in high doses or over extended periods.
B) Aspirin and ibuprofen:
Both aspirin (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, NSAID) and ibuprofen are associated with ototoxicity, especially when used in high doses or over prolonged periods. Ototoxicity from NSAIDs can result in symptoms such as tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or even hearing loss. This occurs due to their impact on the cochlea and auditory nerve.
C) Metoprolol and Furosemide:
Metoprolol is a beta-blocker used for managing hypertension, heart failure, and other cardiovascular conditions, and Furosemide is a diuretic often used to treat conditions such as heart failure and edema. Neither of these drugs is typically associated with ototoxicity. However, high doses of furosemide, particularly when given rapidly or intravenously, may be associated with transient hearing loss.
D) Pantoprazole and Docusate Sodium:
Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to treat gastrointestinal issues like acid reflux and ulcers. Docusate sodium is a stool softener used to treat constipation. Neither of these medications is known to cause ototoxicity. These drugs generally do not affect hearing or the auditory system.
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