Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse Flashcards

What drug is frequently used to lower elevated intracranial pressure brought on by radiation therapy to the brain?

Answer: Dexamethasone.

Dexamethasone is frequently used to lower elevated intracranial pressure brought on by brain radiation therapy. Dexamethasone and other glucocorticoids serve to lessen cerebral edema, which in turn lessens headache, nausea, vomiting, and anorexia. However, because glucocorticoids are linked to a number of negative side effects, patients may be given histamine H2 antagonists to lessen GI side effects. Dexamethasone side effects frequently include greater weakness and an increased risk of infection, as well as steroid myopathy.

A 15-year-old male patient will have chemotherapy and radiation, which could affect his ability to conceive. What is the best choice out of the following?

Answer: Sperm banking.

Most boys who are 15 years old can ejaculate, and studies have shown that the quality of teenage semen is identical to that of adult males, making sperm banking the preferred alternative. Male hormone therapy has not proved effective in reducing treatment-induced infertility in men. For pre-pubertal males, testicular biopsy has occasionally been utilized in the hopes of restoring fertility in the future. Keeping quiet is not a workable solution.

Which long-term impact should be specifically watched out for in a youngster who received anthracycline treatment?

Answer: Cardiac disease.

Treatment with anthracyclines in childhood is strongly linked to cardiotoxicity, the emergence of heart failure, pericarditis, and cardiomyopathy, particularly the latter. Cardiomyopathy can develop suddenly or slowly over many years. Excessive exertion or pregnancy may set it off. Risk goes up if the patient underwent treatment while they were young, received more chemotherapy, had hypokalemia, and had hypomagnesemia. Males are less at danger than females are. Radiation therapy is more closely associated to pericarditis and myocardial infarction.

The nurse informs the parent that the child's food should consist of the following for the preceding 12 hours in order to prepare for a PET scan:

Answer: low carbohydrate.

The youngster should consume low carbohydrate foods over the preceding 12 hours in order to prepare for a PET scan. A high-carbohydrate diet or receiving glucose intravenously (IV) could cause false-positive results. Prior to the test, patients must fast for six hours. Depending on the organ being scanned, the radioactive tracer used in the PET scan may be given orally, intravenously, or both. Because the tracer builds up in regions with a high level of chemical activity, such tumors, PET scans can detect malignancies.

Which of the following online resources offers cancer patients and survivors information on getting pregnant?

Answer: Fertile Hope.

Fertile Hope, a nonprofit initiative created in collaboration with the LIVESTRONG Foundation, is the online resource that offers reproductive information to cancer patients and survivors. The program offers financial support for procedures including sperm banking, embryo freezing, and in vitro fertilization in addition to information on fertility preservation. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy both increase the risk of infertility.

A teen who is taking chemotherapy and has oral mucositis claims that using toothpaste and brushing makes her mouth hurt worse. What other treatment options should the patient consider?

Answer: Salt water

Oral mucositis causes painful inflammation and sores in the mouth. Salt water rinses are a common and effective treatment because they are isotonic, helping to cleanse the mouth, reduce inflammation, and promote healing without causing further irritation. Unlike standard mouthwashes which often contain alcohol and can be irritating, or lidocaine which only numbs, salt water provides gentle, antiseptic relief.

Which of the following is in charge of defining the scope of practice for the nurse?

Answer: The individual state’s board of nursing and Nurse Practice Act.

The scope of practice for nurses is primarily defined and regulated at the state level. Each state has a Board of Nursing that interprets and enforces its specific Nurse Practice Act, which is a statutory law. This act outlines the legal boundaries and responsibilities of nursing practice within that state, ensuring public safety and professional accountability.