CHAPTER 08: CARING FOR PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS {Potter: Fundamentals of Nursing, 11th Edition}

MULTIPLE CHOICE 1. The nurse is caring for a patient who is undergoing chemotherapy and radiation for cancer. The patient asks the nurse about the value of cancer screening when therapy is over. What is the nurse’s best response? a. “It will allow for early detection of additional cancers.” b. “It is not something that should be discussed right now.” c. “It probably will not be needed since the cancer has been cured.” d. “It usually is not done but can be done if the patient wants peace of mind.” ANS: A Because survivors are at increased risk for developing a second cancer and/or chronic illness, it is important to educate them about lifestyle behaviors and the importance of participating in ongoing cancer screening and early detection practices. Lifelong cancer screening provides the opportunity to identify new cancers in early stages. Cancer screening should be discussed and should be done even if the cancer is cured. DIF: Apply (application) OBJ: Explain the role of a nurse in preventing chronic illness through screening, education about healthy lifestyle, and public policy. TOP: Communication and Documentation MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance 2. The nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with diabetes. The family of the patient asks the nurse for resources about this chronic illness. What should the nurse do? a. Refer family members to the health care provider. b. Inform them that few options are currently available. c. Maintain confidentiality by keeping silent. d. Provide the family with the information. ANS: D The nurse’s role is to tell patients and families about the different resources available so they can make informed choices. The physician is a resource, but the nurse can educate and help as well. There are numerous organizations that provide resources to cancer survivors. The nurse must maintain patient confidentiality, not resource confidentiality. DIF: Apply (application) OBJ: Explain the role of a nurse in preventing chronic illness through screening, education about healthy lifestyle, and public policy. TOP: Implementation MSC: Psychosocial Integrity 3. The nurse is caring for a patient who has recently completed radiation treatments for a cancer diagnosis. What response should the nurse provide when the client asks, “Does this treatment put me at a risk for cardiac problems?” a. “Your risk for cardiac problems will be similar to anyone your age, gender, and ethnic background.” b. “Your follow-up care will include monitoring for signs and symptoms of cardiac toxicity.” c. “Chemotherapy increases the risk for cardiac problems much more than radiation therapy.” d. “I sense that you have concerns about your health as a cancer survivor.”