1.
You are caring for a patient with esophageal cancer. Which task could be delegated to the nursing assistant?
Correct Answer
A. Assist the patient with oral hygiene.
Explanation
Oral hygiene is within the scope of responsibilities of the nursing assistant. It is the responsibility of the nurse to observe response to treatments and to help the patient deal with loss or anxiety. The nursing assistant can be directed to weigh the patient, but should not be expected to know when to initiate that measurement.
2.
A 56-year-old patient comes to the walk-in clinic for scant rectal
bleeding and intermittent diarrhea and constipation for the past several
months. There is a history of polyps and a family history for
colorectal cancer. While you are trying to teach about colonoscopy, the
patient becomes angry and threatens to leave. What is the priority
diagnosis?
Correct Answer
D. Anxiety related to unknown outcomes and perceive threat to body integrity
Explanation
The patient’s physical condition is currently stable, but emotional needs are affecting his or her ability to receive the information required to make an informed decision. The other diagnoses are relevant, but if the patient leaves the clinic for interventions may be delayed or ignored.
3.
Which patient is at greatest risk for pancreatic cancer?
Correct Answer
A. An elderly black male with a history of smoking and alcohol use
Explanation
Pancreatic cancer is more common in blacks, males, and smokers. Other links include alcohol, diabetes, obesity, history of pancreatitis, organic chemicals, a high-fat diet, and previous abdominal radiation.
4.
The disease progress of cancers, such as cervical or Hodgkin’s, can
be classified according to a clinical staging system. Place the
description of stages 0-IV in the correct order. (Arrange the letter separated by comma)a. Metastasis b. Limited local spread c. Cancer in situ d. Tumor limited to tissue of origin e. Extensive local and regional spread _____, _____, _____, _____, _____
Correct Answer
C, D, B, E, A
Explanation
This classification system is based on the extent of the disease rather than the histological changes, Stage 0: cancer in situ, stage I: tumor limited to tissue of origin, stage II: limited local spread, stage III: extensive local and regional spread, stage IV: metastasis.
5.
In assigning patients with alterations related to gastrointestinal
(GI) cancer, which would be the most appropriate nursing care tasks to
assign to the LPN/LVN, under supervision of the team leader RN?
Correct Answer
B. A patient who needs enemas and antibiotics to control GI bacteria
Explanation
Administering enemas and antibiotics is within the scope of practice for LPN/LVNs. Although some states may allow the LPN/LVN to administer blood, in general, blood administration, pre-operative teaching, and assisting with central line insertion are the responsibilities of the RN.
6.
A community health center is preparing a presentation on the
prevention and detection of cancer. Which health care professional should be assigned to address
the explaining, screening exams and diagnostic testing for common cancers ?
Correct Answer
C. Nurse practitioner
Explanation
The nurse practitioner is often the provider who performs the physical examinations and recommends diagnostic testing. The nutritionist can give information about diet. The LPN/LVN will know the standard seven warning signs and can educate through standard teaching programs in some states. However, the RN has primary responsibility for educating people about risk factors.
7.
The physician tells the patient that there will be an initial course
of treatment with continued maintenance treatments and ongoing
observation for signs and symptoms over a prolonged period of time. You
can help the patient by reinforcing that the primary goal for this type
of treatment is:
Correct Answer
B. Control
Explanation
The physician has described a treatment for controlling cancer that is not curable. When the goal is cure, the patient will be deemed free of disease after treatments. In palliation, the treatment is given primarily for pain relief. Permanent remission is another term to describe cure.
8.
For a patient who is experiencing side effects of radiation therapy,
which task would be the most appropriate to delegate to the nursing
assistant?
Correct Answer
C. Report the amount and type of food consumed from the tray.
Explanation
The nursing assistant can observe the amount that patient eats (or what is gone from the tray) and report to the nurse. Assessing patterns of fatigue or skin reaction is the responsibility of the RN. The initial recommendation for exercise should come from the physician.
9.
For a patient on the chemotherapeutic drug vincristine (Oncovin),
which of the following side effects should be reported to the
physician?
Correct Answer
C. Paresthesia
Explanation
Paresthesia is a side effect associated with some chemotherapy drugs such as vincristine (Oncovin). The physician can modify the dose or discontinue the drug. Fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and anorexia are common side effects for many chemotherapy medications. The nurse can assist the patient by planning for rest periods, giving antiemetics as ordered, and encouraging small meals with high-protein and high-calorie foods.
10.
For a patient who is receiving chemotherapy, which laboratory result is of particular importance?
Correct Answer
A. WBC
Explanation
WBC count is especially important because chemotherapy can cause decreases in WBCs, particularly neutrophils, which leaves the patient vulnerable to infection. The other tests are important in the total management, but less directly specific to chemotherapy.
11.
For care of a patient who has oral cancer, which task would be appropriate to delegate to the LPN/LVN?
Correct Answer
C. Give antacids and sucralfate suspension as ordered.
Explanation
Giving medications is within the scope of practice for the LPN/LVN. Assisting the patient to brush and floss should be delegated to the nursing assistant. Explaining contraindications is the responsibility of the RN. Recommendations for saliva substitutes should come from the physician or pharmacist.
12.
When assigning staff to patients who are receiving chemotherapy, what
is the major consideration about chemotherapeutic drugs?
Correct Answer
A. During preparation, drugs may be absorbed through the skin or inhaled.
Explanation
Ideally, chemotherapy drugs should be given by nurses who have received additional training in how to safely prepare and deliver the drugs and protect themselves from exposure. The other options are a concern but the general principles of drug administration apply.
13.
You have just received the morning report from the night shift
nurses. List the order of priority for assessing and caring for these
patients. (Arrange the letter separated by comma)a. A patient who developed tumor lysis syndrome around 5:00 AM b. A patient with frequent reports of break-through pain over the past 24 hours c. A patient scheduled for exploratory laparotomy this morning d. A patient with anticipatory nausea and vomiting for the past 24 hours _____, _____, _____, _____
Correct Answer
A, C, B, D
Explanation
Tumor lysis syndrome is an emergency of electrolyte imbalances and potential renal failure. A patient scheduled for surgery should be assessed and prepared for surgery. A patient with breakthrough pain needs assessment and the physician may need to be contacted for a change of dose or medication. Anticipatory nausea and vomiting has a psychogenic component that requires assessment, teaching, reassurance, and antiemetics.
14.
In monitoring patients who are at risk for spinal cord compression
related to tumor growth, what is the most likely early manifestation?
Correct Answer
A. Sudden-onset back pain
Explanation
Back pain is an early sign occurring in 95% of patients. The other symptoms are later signs.
15.
Chemotherapeutic treatment of acute leukemia is done in four phases. Place these phases in the correct order. (Arrange the letter separated by comma)a. Maintenance b. Induction c. Intensification d. Consolidation _____, _____, _____, _____
Correct Answer
B, C, D, A
Explanation
Induction is the initial aggressive treatment to destroy leukemia cells. Intensification starts immediately after induction, lasting for several months and targeting persistent, undetected leukemia cells. Consolidation occurs after remission to eliminate any remaining leukemia cells. Maintenance involves lower doses to keep the body free of leukemia cells.
16.
Which set of classification values indicates the most extensive and progressed cancer?
Correct Answer
D. T4 N3 M1
Explanation
T (tumor) 0-4 signifies tumors increasing size. N (regional lymph nodes) 0-3 signifies increasing involvement of lymph nodes. M (metastasis) 0 signifies no metastasis and 1 signifies distal metastasis.
17.
For a patient with osteogenic sarcoma, you would be particularly vigilant for elevations in which laboratory value?
Correct Answer
B. Calcium
Explanation
Potentially life-threatening hypercalcemia can occur in cancers with destruction of bone. Other laboratory values are pertinent for overall patient management but are less specific to bone cancers.
18.
What do you tell patients is the most important risk factor for lung
cancer when you are teaching about lung cancer prevention?
Correct Answer
A. Cigarette smoking
Explanation
Cigarette smoking is associated with 80-90% of lung cancers. Occupational exposure coupled with cigarette smoking increases risks. ETS increases risk by 35%. Cigar smoking provides higher risk than pipe smoking, but both are lower risks than cigarette smoking.
19.
Following chemotherapy, a patient is being closely monitored for
tumor lysis syndrome. Which laboratory value requires particular
attention?
Correct Answer
B. Electrolytes
Explanation
Tumor lysis syndrome can result in severe electrolyte imbalances and potential renal failure. The other laboratory values are important to monitor for general chemotherapy side effects, but are less pertinent to tumor lysis syndrome.
20.
Persons at risk are the greater target population for cancer
screening programs. Which asymptomatic patient(s) needs extra
encouragement to participate in cancer screening? (Choose all that
apply).
Correct Answer(s)
A. A 19-year-old white-American female who is sexually inactive for a Pap smear
C. A 45-year-old African-American male for an annual prostate-specific antigen
Explanation
After age 18, females should annual Pap smears, regardless of sexual activity. African-American males should begin prostate-specific antigen testing at age 45. Annual mammograms are recommended for women over the age of 40. Annual fecal occult blood testing is recommended starting at age 50.
21.
A patient with lung cancer develops syndrome of inappropriate
antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). After reporting symptoms of
weight gain, weakness, and nausea and vomiting to the physician, you
would anticipate which initial order for the treatment of this patient?
Correct Answer
B. Fluid restrictions as ordered
Explanation
Hyponatremia is a concern; therefore, fluid restrictions would be ordered. Urinalysis is less pertinent; however, the nurse should monitor for increased urine specific gravity. The diet may need to include sodium supplements. Fluid bolus is unlikely to be ordered for SIADH.
22.
In caring for a patient with neutropenia, what tasks can be delegated to the nursing assistant? (Choose all that apply).
Correct Answer(s)
A. Take vital signs every 4 hours
B. Report temperature elevation >100.4o F
D. Gather the supplies to prepare the room for protective isolation.
F. Practice good handwashing technique.
Explanation
Vital signs and reporting on specific parameters, good hand washing, and gathering equipment are within the scope of duties for an nursing assistant. Assessing for symptoms of infection/superinfections is the responsibility of the RN.
23.
A primary nursing responsibility is the prevention of lung cancer by
assisting patients in smoking/tobacco cessation. Which tasks would be
appropriate to delegate to the LPN/LVN?
Correct Answer
B. Explain the application of a nicotine patch
Explanation
The LPN/LVN is versed in medication administration and able to teach patients standardized information. The other options require more in-depth assessment, planning, and teaching, which should be performed by the RN.
24.
Which of the following cancer patients could potentially be placed together as roommates?
Correct Answer(s)
B. A patient who underwent debulking of a tumor to relieve pressure
D. A patient who is post-op laminectomy for spinal cord compression
Explanation
Debulking of tumor and laminectomy are palliative procedures. These patients can be placed in the same room. The patient with low neutrophil count and the patient who has had a bone marrow harvest need protective isolation.