BREAST CANCER COMPLICATIONS OF CHEMOTHERAPY EXAM PREP QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FULL SOLUTION

BREAST CANCER COMPLICATIONS OF
CHEMOTHERAPY EXAM PREP QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS FULL SOLUTION

●● A nurse is caring for a client receiving chemotherapy. Which blood
cell count places the client at greatest risk for infection?
Answer: Low neutrophil count (neutropenia)


●● A nurse is caring for a client who has chemotherapy-induced
thrombocytopenia. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
Answer: Use the smallest gauge needle possible and avoid unnecessary
invasive procedures.


●● A nurse is caring for a client receiving chemotherapy. Which adverse
effect is expected with most antineoplastic medications?
Answer: Bone marrow suppression


●● A nurse is caring for a client receiving chemotherapy. Which adverse
effect is expected because chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells?
Answer: Alopecia


●● A nurse is caring for a client receiving chemotherapy. Which
gastrointestinal finding is commonly expected?

,Answer: Stomatitis (mouth ulcers)


●● A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client receiving
chemotherapy. Which instruction is the priority?
Answer: Avoid live vaccines while receiving chemotherapy.


●● A nurse is caring for a client with severe neutropenia. Which food
should the nurse question?
Answer: Fresh fruits or raw vegetables


●● A nurse is caring for a client receiving chemotherapy. Which visitor
should be restricted?
Answer: A visitor who has symptoms of an infection


●● A nurse is caring for a client receiving chemotherapy. Which
instruction should the nurse include regarding infection prevention?
Answer: Wash hands frequently and avoid sick contacts.


●● A nurse is caring for a client receiving chemotherapy. Which
laboratory value indicates bone marrow suppression?
Answer: Decreased WBC, RBC, and platelet counts


●● A nurse is caring for a client receiving chemotherapy. Which client
statement indicates understanding of neutropenic precautions?

,Answer: "I will avoid fresh flowers and wash all fruits and vegetables
thoroughly."


●● A nurse is caring for a client receiving chemotherapy. Which vaccine
should the nurse question?
Answer: Live vaccines


●● A nurse is caring for an immunocompromised client. Which vaccine
should be avoided?
Answer: Live vaccines


●● A nurse is caring for a client receiving high-dose corticosteroids.
Which vaccine is contraindicated?
Answer: Live vaccines


●● A nurse is caring for a client receiving methotrexate. Methotrexate
belongs to which medication class?
Answer: Folic acid analog (antimetabolite)


●● A nurse is preparing to administer methotrexate. Which medication
should the nurse anticipate administering to reduce toxicity?
Answer: Leucovorin

, ●● A nurse is caring for a client receiving methotrexate. Which adverse
effect requires immediate intervention?
Answer: Pulmonary toxicity


●● A nurse is caring for a client receiving methotrexate. Which
laboratory value should the nurse monitor closely?
Answer: Liver function tests


●● A nurse is caring for a client receiving methotrexate. Which adverse
effect is expected?
Answer: Bone marrow suppression


●● A nurse is caring for a client receiving methotrexate. Which teaching
should the nurse provide regarding pregnancy?
Answer: Avoid pregnancy while taking methotrexate.


●● A nurse is caring for a client receiving methotrexate. Which
assessment finding indicates bone marrow suppression?
Answer: Pallor, fatigue, and shortness of breath


●● A nurse is caring for a client receiving methotrexate. Which
laboratory value should be monitored because of bone marrow
suppression?
Answer: CBC