Hematological and Oncological Nursing Flashcards

A patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is prescribed oral chlorambucil. What priority teaching should the nurse provide?

Answer: Monitor for signs of infection due to immunosuppression

Chlorambucil is an alkylating agent that suppresses bone marrow, causing leukopenia; patients must recognize infection signs promptly as they are immunocompromised.

Which nursing intervention is MOST important for a patient receiving a packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion?

Answer: Verify the blood type and unit ID with another licensed nurse at the bedside before starting

Two-nurse verification of blood product identification, patient identity, and compatibility data at the bedside is the critical safety check that prevents hemolytic transfusion reactions.

A patient with hemophilia A is scheduled for surgery. Which factor replacement therapy would the nurse anticipate administering?

Answer: Factor VIII concentrate

Hemophilia A is caused by a deficiency of Factor VIII; replacement therapy with Factor VIII concentrate is required before and after surgical procedures.

A patient receiving radiation therapy to the abdomen reports severe diarrhea and rectal bleeding. Which nursing action is the PRIORITY?

Answer: Assess the frequency, character, and volume of stool and notify the provider

Rectal bleeding and severe diarrhea during abdominal radiation can indicate bowel injury requiring prompt provider notification and assessment before interventions are initiated.

Which patient with anemia requires the MOST urgent assessment by the nurse?

Answer: A patient with hemoglobin of 7.2 g/dL who reports chest pain and dyspnea at rest

Chest pain and dyspnea at rest with a hemoglobin of 7.2 g/dL indicates severe anemia with cardiopulmonary compromise requiring immediate intervention.

A nurse is caring for a patient with Hodgkin's lymphoma after staging reveals Stage IIA disease. What does this staging PRIMARILY indicate?

Answer: Involvement of two or more lymph node regions on the same side of the diaphragm without B symptoms

Stage II in Hodgkin's lymphoma indicates two or more lymph node regions on the same side of the diaphragm; 'A' denotes the absence of B symptoms (fever, night sweats, weight loss).

A patient with aplastic anemia is receiving immunosuppressive therapy with anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG). Which nursing priority is MOST important during the infusion?

Answer: Monitor for anaphylaxis and serum sickness reactions

ATG is derived from animal serum and carries a significant risk of anaphylaxis and serum sickness; close monitoring for allergic reactions during and after infusion is the top priority.