Question 1

The nurse is preparing to change the postoperative dressing of a person with a mastectomy. During the dressing change, the person looks away. Which of the following should the nurse do to assist this person?

Accepted Answer

The nurse should support the person but not avoid discussing the incision. It is important for the person to be educated about the wound care and to feel comfortable enough to ask questions or express concerns. The nurse can also explain each step of the dressing change to help alleviate any anxiety or fear.

Question 2

Which type of diet is associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

High fat, low fibre diets have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. This is because these diets lead to an increase in estrogen levels, which can contribute to the development of breast cancer. Conversely, diets that are high in fruits and vegetables have been linked to a lower risk of breast cancer. Proteins and dairy products do not have a direct association with breast cancer.

Question 3

A person who is newly diagnosed with cancer says to the nurse, 'I don't want to spend my final days on earth in a hospital bed.' What is the nurse's best response?

Accepted Answer

The nurse's best response is to empathize with the patient and ask them more about how they are feeling. This allows the patient to express their fears and concerns, and helps the nurse to address them appropriately. The other options are not appropriate as they do not address the patient's concerns or provide empathy.

Question 4

A person who was treated for bladder cancer 15 years ago tells the nurse, 'I live each day like it is my last yet plan for the future.' The nurse realises that this person is demonstrating which phase of cancer survival?

Accepted Answer

Permanent survival is indicated by the person's attitude of living each day to the fullest while also planning for the future, suggesting they have moved beyond the immediate aftermath of cancer treatment and are living with a long-term perspective on their survival.

Question 5

The family of a person with terminal metastatic cancer asks the nurse for guidelines regarding when to call for help when the person is discharged home. Which of the following would indicate this person needs medical intervention? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Onset of new bleeding and severe headache can be signs of complications that require medical intervention.

Question 6

A person asks the nurse, 'What does it matter what grade the tumour I had in my stomach was?' What is the best response by the nurse?

Accepted Answer

Knowing the grade of the tumor is important because it helps to indicate how aggressive the tumor is. A higher grade usually means that the tumor is more likely to grow and spread quickly, and therefore, more aggressive treatment may be needed.

Question 7

A person is receiving bleomycin as part of his chemotherapy cancer treatment. Which of the following should the nurse do prior to his treatment?

Accepted Answer

Bleomycin can cause pulmonary toxicity, so it's important to assess respiratory status and monitor for any changes such as rales. Oral care for stomatitis may be part of the patient's overall care plan, but it is not specific to bleomycin. Diarrhoea and motor weakness are also not common side effects of bleomycin.

Question 8

A person thinks she has cancer because her last Pap smear identified cervical dysplasia. What is the nurse's best response?

Accepted Answer

Cervical dysplasia means that the cells on the surface of the cervix are abnormal - this is usually due to the presence of the human papillomavirus (HPV). While cervical dysplasia can increase the risk of developing cervical cancer, it does not mean that someone currently has cancer. However, it is important for the person to follow up with their healthcare provider to discuss further testing and treatment options. Option A is not accurate as cervical cells still have a function, even if they are abnormal. Option B is not accurate as dysplasia and cancer are not interchangeable terms. Option D is not accurate as the whole point of a pap smear is to detect abnormal cells.

Question 9

A person is prescribed external radiation as part of his cancer treatment. Which of the following should be included in this person's instructions? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A) Using an electric razor helps prevent skin irritation and avoids cuts that could lead to infection in the treatment area.

D) Treatment marks indicate where radiation has been delivered and should not be washed off, as they help doctors deliver the correct dose of radiation during subsequent treatments.

B) Ice packs may not be recommended for everyone and could potentially worsen the skin irritation.

C) Soap and water may be too harsh for the skin in the treatment area and should be avoided. A gentle cleanser recommended by the healthcare provider may be used instead.

Question 10

Which of the following is a characteristic of a benign neoplasm?

Accepted Answer

A benign neoplasm is usually encapsulated, meaning it is well-defined and contained within a distinct boundary. This is in contrast to malignant neoplasms, which tend to invade and infiltrate surrounding tissues. Rapid growth, difficult removal, and recurrence are more commonly associated with malignant neoplasms.

Question 11

Malignant melanoma is associated with which type of viral infection?

Accepted Answer

Papillomavirus is associated with an increased risk of developing several types of cancer, including skin cancers such as malignant melanoma.

Question 12

A person has breast cancer. Where is a common metastatic site for this cancer?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A person has breast cancer. Where is...

Question 13

A person with uterine cancer is prescribed a treatment in which radioactive material will be inserted and maintained within her vagina. Which of the following types of treatment does this describe?

Accepted Answer

This type of treatment is called brachytherapy, which involves placing radioactive material directly into the affected area. This allows for a more targeted and higher dose of radiation to be delivered to the cancer cells while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.

Question 14

A 65-year-old male is diagnosed with lymphoma while being treated for bladder cancer. What could likely be a cause of his weakened immune system?

Accepted Answer

Chemotherapy is a known cause of weakening the immune system. The patient's weakened immune system due to chemotherapy may have contributed to the development of lymphoma.

Quiz 13: Nursing Care of People With Cancer