Actual Q&A PDF | Rasmussen College
1. A client receiving chemotherapy has a temperature of 38.5°C (101.3°F). What is the
nurse's priority action?
A) Administer acetaminophen
B) Notify the provider immediately
C) Encourage oral fluids
D) Recheck the temperature in 1 hour
Correct Answer: Notify the provider immediately
Rationale: Fever in a client receiving chemotherapy may indicate a neutropenic infection,
which is a medical emergency requiring immediate evaluation and treatment. Antipyretics
should not delay assessment and treatment, and rechecking later could delay life-saving
intervention.
2. Which laboratory value is most important for assessing infection risk in a client receiving
chemotherapy?
A) Hemoglobin
B) Platelet count
C) Absolute neutrophil count
D) Serum sodium
Correct Answer: Absolute neutrophil count
,Rationale: The absolute neutrophil count (ANC) reflects the client's ability to fight
bacterial and fungal infections. An ANC below 500/mm³ indicates severe neutropenia and
significantly increases infection risk, guiding the use of neutropenic precautions.
3. A client receiving chemotherapy has a platelet count of 18,000/mm³. Which intervention
is most appropriate?
A) Use a firm-bristled toothbrush
B) Avoid intramuscular injections
C) Encourage contact sports
D) Administer aspirin for pain
Correct Answer: Avoid intramuscular injections
Rationale: Severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count below 50,000/mm³) increases
bleeding risk, so intramuscular injections, aspirin, and activities that cause trauma should
be avoided. A firm-bristled toothbrush and contact sports also increase bleeding risk.
4. Which finding is most concerning in a client with suspected superior vena cava
syndrome?
A) Mild fatigue
B) Facial and neck swelling
C) Decreased appetite
D) Constipation
Correct Answer: Facial and neck swelling
Rationale: Superior vena cava syndrome occurs when the SVC is compressed or
obstructed by a tumor, causing impaired venous return from the head, neck, and upper
, extremities. Facial and neck swelling are classic signs, and airway compromise can develop,
requiring prompt attention.
5. A client receiving chemotherapy develops tumor lysis syndrome. Which laboratory
finding should the nurse anticipate?
A) Hypokalemia
B) Hyperkalemia
C) Hypernatremia
D) Hypophosphatemia
Correct Answer: Hyperkalemia
Rationale: Tumor lysis syndrome occurs when rapid destruction of tumor cells releases
intracellular potassium, phosphate, and nucleic acids, causing hyperkalemia,
hyperphosphatemia, hyperuricemia, and hypocalcemia. Hypokalemia and
hypophosphatemia are not characteristic.
6. Which medication is commonly used to reduce uric acid levels in tumor lysis syndrome?
A) Allopurinol
B) Furosemide
C) Warfarin
D) Metformin
Correct Answer: Allopurinol
Rationale: Allopurinol decreases uric acid production by inhibiting xanthine oxidase and
can help prevent uric acid accumulation during rapid tumor breakdown. Furosemide is a
diuretic, warfarin is an anticoagulant, and metformin is an antidiabetic agent.