Cell Regulation
A patient recovering from cancer surgery asks why lymph nodes were removed along with the tumor. The nurse explains the purpose is this.
What is to check for metastasis and reduce spread of cancer
A patient receiving radiation therapy reports redness and irritation at the treatment site.
→ What teaching should the nurse give about skin care?
What is avoid hot/cold packs, use mild soap, pat dry, and wear soft fabrics?
A 56-year-old patient complains of fatigue and dizziness. The provider orders a hemoglobin test, which shows 8.5 g/dL.
→ This test is used to diagnose what condition?
What is anemia?
Which assessment finding is MOST concerning for a patient with suppressed immunity?
A. Temperature of 38°C
B. Heart rate 88 beats per minute
C. Fatigue after physical activity
A – Temperature of 100.5°F (38°C)
A pregnant woman asks if she can receive the MMR vaccine.
→ What is the nurse’s best response?
What is no, live vaccines are contraindicated in pregnancy?
A patient reports frequent nosebleeds and easy bruising. Their platelet count is 40,000/mm³.
→ What condition does this represent?
What is thrombocytopenia?
This cancer treatment commonly causes nausea, vomiting, and pancytopenia.
What is chemotherapy?
Define pancytopenia and name one priority nursing intervention.
What is a deficiency of RBCs, WBCs, and platelets; protect from infection,bleeding risk, education on injury, ect.
Which assessment finding reflects an exaggerated immune response?
Anaphylaxis, autoimmune reaction, or severe allergic response
At an annual checkup, a 67-year-old patient is told they need two additional vaccines for their age group.
→ Which vaccines are recommended?
What are pneumococcal and shingles (herpes zoster) vaccines?
A patient with breast cancer develops bone pain. Imaging shows the cancer cells have traveled to the bone.
→ What process has occurred?
What is metastasis.
This cancer prevention method includes interventions like HPV vaccination, nutrition, and prophylactic surgery.
What is primary prevention?
A patient’s RBC count is 3.2 million/µL. They complain of being tired and weak.
→ What complication is the nurse most concerned about?
What is decreased oxygen transport?
Antibodies passed from mother to baby through breast milk are an example of this type of immunity.
What is passive immunity?
This teaching point is essential for an HIV patient starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) to prevent resistance.
What is the importance of strict medication adherence
A nurse is assessing for possible cellular dysfunction. Which finding BEST supports impaired oxygen transport?
What are Low hemoglobin and hematocrit
A chemotherapy patient reports painful mouth sores that make it difficult to eat.
→ What nursing intervention would best help this patient?
What is provide soft/bland foods and encourage gentle oral care?
A patient’s hematocrit is measured at 28%.
→ What does this low result most likely indicate?
What is anemia or blood loss?
A life-threatening exaggerated immune response that causes airway swelling and shock.
What is anaphylaxis?
This lab value reflects the strength of the immune system in HIV patients, with levels below 200 cells/mm³ indicating AIDS.
What is the CD4 count
A patient undergoing chemotherapy develops a fever of 100.5°F (38°C). The nurse recognizes this as an emergency because of this complication.
What is neutropenia and risk of sepsis?
Rationale: In patients receiving chemotherapy, bone marrow suppression often leads to neutropenia (a dangerously low neutrophil count). Neutrophils are the body’s primary defense against bacterial infections. Even a low-grade fever of 100.5°F (38°C) is considered a medical emergency.
A patient who has stage 2 colon cancer is scheduled for a partial colectomy and tumor removal.
→ What is the purpose of this treatment modality?
What is the goal of removing the totality of the tumor through surgery.
A patient receiving chemotherapy develops a WBC count of 1,500/mm³.
→ What nursing intervention is MOST important at this time?
What is implement neutropenic precautions?
A genetic defect causing immune system failure is classified as this type of immunodeficiency.
What is primary immunodeficiency?
These two tests can detect HIV antibodies or genetic material, confirming a diagnosis.
What are the ELISA (antibody test) and PCR (viral load test)