Symptom Management and Supportive Care Flashcards

A child with cancer develops cachexia. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?

Answer: Consult a registered dietitian and consider enteral nutrition

Cancer cachexia requires collaboration with a dietitian to optimize nutrition; enteral support may be needed if oral intake is inadequate.

A child on high-dose corticosteroids for ALL treatment shows mood swings and increased appetite. The nurse explains these are:

Answer: Expected side effects of steroid therapy

Corticosteroids commonly cause mood lability, increased appetite, and weight gain as predictable pharmacologic side effects.

When caring for a child with severe mucositis, which oral care intervention is recommended?

Answer: Rinse with normal saline or sodium bicarbonate solution

Normal saline or sodium bicarbonate rinses are gentle and help maintain oral pH, promoting healing without irritating damaged mucosa.

A pediatric oncology patient has fatigue rated as severe (7/10). Which intervention is MOST evidence-based for cancer-related fatigue?

Answer: Aerobic exercise tailored to the child's capacity

Evidence supports moderate aerobic exercise as effective in reducing cancer-related fatigue in children and adolescents.

A child with a central venous catheter develops a temperature of 38.5°C. The nurse should FIRST:

Answer: Draw blood cultures from the central line and a peripheral site

Blood cultures from both the central line and a peripheral vein are necessary before antibiotics to identify the source of the infection.

The nurse is assessing for peripheral neuropathy in a child receiving vincristine. Which assessment is MOST appropriate?

Answer: Test deep tendon reflexes and ask about tingling or weakness

Vincristine neuropathy is best assessed by testing deep tendon reflexes (often diminished or absent) and asking the patient about paresthesias.