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 C
Explanation
A) Hypertension treated with medications
Hypertension (high blood pressure) itself is not a direct cause of infectious endocarditis. While untreated or poorly managed hypertension can contribute to cardiovascular complications, it is not typically a risk factor for developing infectious endocarditis. Infectious endocarditis is more commonly associated with conditions that directly involve the heart valves or blood stream, such as intravenous drug use, prior heart valve disease, or certain invasive procedures.
B) Prostate surgery six months prior
While certain surgeries, such as dental or urinary tract procedures, can increase the risk of infectious endocarditis due to transient bacteremia, prostate surgery by itself is not a major risk factor for this condition. Unless there was a complication during the surgery that resulted in bacteremia (e.g., infection), B is not the most likely contributor to the development of infectious endocarditis.
C) Use of intravenous substances
The use of intravenous (IV) substances, especially illicit drugs, is a major risk factor for the development of infectious endocarditis. Intravenous drug use, particularly when non-sterile needles or contaminated substances are used, can introduce bacteria directly into the bloodstream, leading to bacteremia.
D) Stroke diagnosed one year ago
While a history of stroke may indicate underlying cardiovascular disease or embolic events, it is not directly related to the development of infectious endocarditis. Stroke can occur as a complication of infectious endocarditis, particularly if emboli from infected valves travel to the brain. However, a prior stroke itself does not directly contribute to the development of endocarditis.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Avoid use of the microwave for three months:
Microwaves do not interfere with pacemaker function. Modern pacemakers are designed to be resistant to electromagnetic interference from household devices like microwaves. Therefore, there is no need to avoid microwave use. The nurse should focus on other areas of safety that are more pertinent to the functioning of the pacemaker.
B) Use cellular phone sparingly:
Cellular phones generally do not interfere with the operation of most modern pacemakers. The nurse may advise the client to avoid holding a mobile phone directly over the pacemaker (i.e., on the chest) for prolonged periods, but there is no need to avoid using the phone entirely. Current guidelines suggest using the phone on the opposite ear from the side of the pacemaker if concerned, but the phone itself does not pose a significant risk.
C) Resume outdoor activities in two days:
Although outdoor activities may be safe after some time, the client should avoid strenuous physical activity or exercise for a period after receiving a pacemaker. The recommended rest period after pacemaker placement typically ranges from several days to a few weeks, depending on the individual and the procedure. However, resuming outdoor activities like walking or mild exercise is often appropriate earlier than two days, but not in all cases, and should be guided by the healthcare provider.
D) No heavy lifting for two months:
After the insertion of a biventricular pacemaker (which is often used in cases of heart failure), the patient should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for at least 6-8 weeks to allow the lead wires to properly stabilize within the heart and to reduce the risk of dislodging the pacemaker leads. Lifting objects heavier than 10-15 pounds (4.5-7 kg) can strain the chest muscles and disrupt pacemaker lead placement.
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