ANOKA TECHNICAL COLLEGE

PRACTICAL NURSING PROGRAM

NURS 1410 Health Promotion across the Lifespan I

Cancer Conditions Test

:

Submit your answers into the Cancer Conditions Test on D2l (located in Assessments under the Quizzes tab) by 8:00 am on Monday, January 31, 2022. Students who do not submit answers into D2L into the Cancer Conditions Test by the due date and time will earn a score of “zero” for this test.

From the choices given, choose the best answer and place the corresponding letter on the answer sheet.

From the choices given, choose all the answers that apply and put the corresponding letter(s) on the answer sheet. Responses can range from one choice to all of the choices. No partial credit is given for correct selections.

Important reminder:

***It is permissible to use the recorded lectures, lecture slides, lecture notes, and textbook to answer the questions on this test. This test is your work. Please refer to the course syllabus and the Practical Nursing Student Handbook to review the Policy on Academic Misconduct for this course and the Practical Nursing program. Collaborating with other students on the test, receiving or copying answers from another student’s test, and complicity with another student in an act of academic misconduct are examples of cheating and will result in sanctions up to and including failure of the course and dismissal from the Practical Nursing program.

NURS 1410 Health Promotion across the Lifespan I

Cancer Conditions Test

1. A cancer patient asks the nurse to explain what a carcinogen is. The nurse answers

the patient by explaining that carcinogens are factors associated with cancer risk

such as:

Select all answers that apply.

A. Age

B. Radon

C. Asbestos

D. Radiation

E. Tumor markers

2. A nurse at a health fair is conducting teaching sessions on dietary measures to help

prevent cancer. Which food(s) should the nurse encourage clients attending the

teaching sessions to eat as a means of preventing cancer?

Select all answers that apply.

A. Fruits

B. Vegetables

C. Red meats

D. Foods high in fat

E. Foods low in fiber

F. Charred (blackened) foods (with grilling of meat)

3. The nurse is educating adolescents about cancer prevention. What teaching does the

nurse focus on as most relevant to this age group?

Select all answers that apply.

A. Avoid alcohol

B. Annual mammogram

C. Smoking cessation/avoidance

D. Annual fecal occult blood test

E. Avoid ultraviolet radiation exposure

F. Digital rectal exam with PSA (prostate specific antigen) test yearly

4. A patient being screened for colorectal cancer will be having guaiac smear fecal

occult blood testing (gFOBT). Which instruction(s) does the nurse include when

teaching about guaiac smear fecal occult blood testing (gFOBT)?

Select all answers that apply.

A. The entire stool needs to be sent in for testing.

B. Red meat needs to be avoided for 3 days prior to the test.

C. Vitamin C needs to be avoided for 7 days prior to the test.

D. The stool specimen to be tested should not mix with toilet water or urine.

E. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) need to be avoided for 7 days prior to the test.

5. A nurse is assisting with preventive health screenings at a community health event.

Which of the following client statement(s) should the nurse recognize as a warning

sign of cancer?

Select all answers that apply.

A. “I have heartburn an hour after eating spicy foods.”

B. “Recently I’ve noticed that my bowel movements look black in color.”

C. “When I was doing a breast self-examination yesterday, I noticed a pea-

sized lump.”

D. “I have a mole on my upper arm that looks darker in color and the edges of it

look uneven.”

E. “For the past few years, I get a productive cough in late summer that goes

away in a few weeks.”

6. A bone marrow biopsy was performed on a patient. The nurse provides post-

procedure instructions to the patient following the bone marrow biopsy which

include:

A. Increase fluid intake for the next 3 days.

B. Watch the puncture site for bleeding or signs of infection.

C. Soaking in a bathtub or using a hot tub will help with discomfort.

D. The site will feel tender for 3 months after having the bone marrow biopsy.

7. Cancers are classified according to the organs or tissues from which they first began

to grow. The most common type of cancer is

A. lymphomas.

B. leukemias.

C. sarcomas.

D. carcinomas.

8. A patient who had surgery and radiation to treat breast cancer asks the nurse why the

oncologist orders a blood test called CA 27-29 every time she comes to the clinic for

a follow up appointment. What is the best response for the nurse to make?

A. “High levels of CA 27-29 after cancer treatment indicate your cancer is in

remission.”

B. “CA 27-29 levels should increase as your general health improves after

receiving cancer treatment.”

C. “Low levels of CA 27-29 after cancer treatment indicate there is probably

not a recurrence of the cancer.”

D. “CA 27-29 is used to monitor your blood to make sure you are not having any

side effects from your cancer treatments.”

9. The patient is receiving external radiation for colon cancer. The nurse monitors the

patient knowing that which side effect(s) are most likely to occur with receiving

external radiation for colon cancer?

Select all answers that apply.

A. fatigue

B. diarrhea

C. dyspnea

D. stomatitis

E. skin reaction

10. A patient receiving external radiation therapy to treat esophageal cancer tells the

radiation nurse she is experiencing increasing fatigue during the 2nd week of radiation

treatments. The best response by the nurse is to

A. encourage frequent rest periods.

B. reschedule the radiation to resume in one week to allow the patient to regain energy.

C. inform the radiation oncologist so radiation therapy can be stopped until the patient feels less fatigued.

D. encourage the patient to increase their consumption of caffeine-containing drinks to increase their alertness.

11. In the nursing interventions for a patient receiving external radiation therapy to treat

a malignancy, the nurse remembers to:

A. isolate the patient so that he/she does not expose others to radiation.

B. remind the patient that nursing care is limited to short exposures at the bedside.

C. instruct the patient to avoid irritating the skin at the portal of entry areas by wearing loose-fitting clothing.

D. vigorously scrub the areas marked by the radiation oncologist as portals of entry to keep them clean and dry.

12. The nurse is reinforcing instructions to a patient receiving external radiation therapy.

The nurse determines that the teaching has been effective if the patient states an

intention to take which action(s)? 

Select all answers that apply.

A. Eat a high-protein diet.

B. Wash the skin with a mild soap and pat it dry.

C. Avoid exposure of the skin at the treatment site to sunlight.

D. Avoid standing within 6 feet of people under the age of 18 years.

E. Apply pressure on the radiated treatment area to prevent bleeding.

13. A patient is receiving external radiation therapy as part of her cancer treatment.

She asks what precautions are necessary for her to take due to the external radiation

therapy. The nurse replies that the patient needs to avoid contact with:

A. children.

B. elderly people.

C. pregnant women.

D. people who are ill.

E. people who have pacemakers.

14. What response by the nurse is the most appropriate when the patient becomes

concerned that the skin area being treated by external radiation has become red?

A. Reassure the patient that the redness is barely noticeable.

B. Explain to the patient that this is an expected development with radiation.

C. Inform the patient that the redness indicates superficial bleeding under the skin.

15. A patient is undergoing external radiation therapy to treat lung cancer. Which

instruction(s) should the nurse reinforce to the patient with regard to skin care? 

Select all answers that apply.

A. Use a cold pack on the area if feeling discomfort.

B. Place a thin film of lotion over the treatment area daily.

C. Do not remove any of the markings placed on the skin for radiation.

D. Avoid applying any scented products or products containing alcohol to the skin on the treatment area.

16. Which statement(s) by a patient undergoing external radiation therapy indicates the

patient understands the teaching? 

Select all answers that apply

A. “I will wear protective clothing when I’m outside.”

B. “I will wash my skin with mild soap and water only.”

C. “I’m afraid I’ll expose my family members to radiation.”

D. “I will not use a heating pad or a cold pack on the treatment area.”

17. A patient with cancer is receiving external radiation therapy. The nurse is teaching

the patient about care of the skin at the radiation site. Which intervention does the nurse include on the plan of care for this patient?

A. “Apply sun block to the skin prior to each radiation treatment.”

B. “Avoid applying irritating products to the skin at the radiation site.”

C. “Scrub the skin at the radiation site twice daily with soap and water and rub

the skin thoroughly dry afterward.”

D. “Apply an ice pack to the skin at the radiation site as needed to help decrease

discomfort from swelling and redness.”

18. The nurse is providing care for a patient with an internal radiation implant to treat

cervical cancer. The nurse should observe which precaution(s)?

Select all answers that apply.

A. Wear a lead apron while delivering bedside care to the patient.

B. Ensure the sign with the radiation symbol is posted on the patient’s door.

C. Limit their time with the patient to no more than one hour per 8 hour shift.

D. Children less than 18 years old are allowed in the room if they stay at least 6 feet or more away from the patient.

19. A patient is receiving internal radiation therapy for a gynecological malignancy. The

patient expresses feelings of isolation in her private room. What intervention is best

on the part of the nurse?

A. Encourage the patient’s visitor to stay overnight on a cot in the room.

B. Move the patient to a semi-private room so she can have a roommate.

C. Plan to spend more time with the patient in the room once work is caught up.

D. Provide teaching reinforcement about the safety procedures for internal radiation therapy.

20. The nurse is orienting a newly hired nurse to the care of a patient who has an internal

radiation implant. Which statement(s) by the newly hired nurse demonstrates

teaching has been effective?

Select all answers that apply.

A. “Pregnant women should not enter the patient’s room.”

B. “A dosimeter badge is worn upon entering the patient’s room.”

C. “After visiting hours, the patient may ambulate in the hallway.”

D. “There is a 60 minute per 8 hour shift time limit for contact with the patient.”

21. A patient recently diagnosed with cancer of the prostate gland has made the decision

to receive treatment using low dose rate brachytherapy with prostate gland seeding.

The nurse determines the teaching has been effective if the patient makes which

which statement(s) about prostate gland seeding?

Select all answers that apply.

A. “Radioactive seeds will be implanted into my prostate gland.”

B. “My body fluids are not radioactive and can’t harm others.”

C. “I can’t be near my 2-year-old grandchild for at least a year.”

D. “The implanted radioactive seeds will be removed after 6 months.”

E. “I need to go into the radiation center 5 times weekly for outpatient radiation treatments for 6 weeks.”

22. A patient undergoing cancer treatment has a central venous access device inserted for

chemotherapy infusions. What is the best rationale for using a central venous access

device for this patient?

A. A central venous access device reduces the chance of infection for patients.

B. Administering chemotherapy into an arterial access allows for faster delivery of medication.

C. It is important to use a large vein with good blood flow to dilute potentially damaging medications, such as antineoplastic agents.

D. There are fewer side effects when high dose medications are given intravenously through a central venous access device.

23. A patient diagnosed with lung cancer is receiving chemotherapy on an outpatient

basis. The nurse must provide which of the following home care instructions for the

patient to follow following chemotherapy administration?

A. The patient needs to avoid holding small children and babies.

B. The patient needs to use disposable plates and utensils when eating.

C. Family members should use a separate toilet from the patient, if possible.

D. The patient needs to stay away from other people to avoid exposing them to the harmful effects of chemotherapy.

24. The most serious potential complication due to chemotherapy-related

myelosuppression is

A. fatigue.

B. hair loss.

C. infection.

D. dehydration.

E. severe stomatitis.

25. A nurse is reinforcing teaching to a patient who is neutropenic 10 days after their last

cycle of chemotherapy. Which statement(s) made by the patient

?

Select all answers that apply.

A. “I love working in my garden. It gives me a lot of inner peace and tranquility.”

B. “I find that going out for a quiet dinner and a movie relieves the stress and anxiety of my cancer treatment.”

C. “I’ll monitor my temperature frequently and will notify my oncologist immediately if my temperature is 100.4° F or higher.”

D. “I’ve found that when I eat raw fresh fruits and vegetables that it helps to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and also gives me more energy.”

26. The licensed practical nurse (LPN) is assisting the registered nurse (RN) to create a

teaching plan for the patient receiving an antineoplastic medication which causes

myelosuppression. The LPN expects what information to be included? 

Select all answers that apply.

A. Avoid people who are ill.

B. Monitor white blood cell count daily as prescribed.

C. Consult with the oncologist before receiving vaccines.

D. Maintain oral hygiene and inspect the mouth for sores daily.

E. Notify the oncologist if they have an oral temperature of 100.4° F or higher.

27. A patient with cancer who received chemotherapy 7 days ago is noted to have a

large number of petechiae and ecchymoses (bruises) on their skin when they come to

the clinic. Due to these manifestations, which lab finding is expected?

A. Low platelet count

B. Low neutrophil count

C. Low red blood cell count

D. Low white blood cell count

28. A nurse is participating in a care planning conference for a patient with cancer who

is experiencing neutropenia as a result of chemotherapy. Which aspect of the plan is

designed to be most effective in decreasing the risk of infection?

A. Providing a diet high in protein

B. Limiting visitors to immediate family only

C. Monitoring white blood cell (WBC) counts daily

D. Frequent, thorough handwashing with soap and water

29. A cancer patient will be receiving their first cycle of chemotherapy and the nurse is

reinforcing instructions to them about doxorubicin, the antineoplastic agent which

will be administered. Which statement(s) by the patient indicates teaching has been

effective?

Select all answers that apply.

A. “My hair loss will be permanent.”

B. “I should avoid contact with anyone who is ill.”

C. “If I develop a fever, I will notify my oncologist.”

D. “If I develop a sore throat, I will gargle with a mild salt water solution.”

30. The medication pegfilgrastim/Neulasta, is frequently prescribed to patients receiving

chemotherapy to lessen bone marrow suppression by stimulating the production of

white blood cells by the bone marrow. When is pegfilgrastim/Neulasta administered?

A. It is administered to the patient on the day prior to chemotherapy.

B. It is administered to the patient on the day chemotherapy is administered.

C. It is administered to the patient on the day after chemotherapy is administered.

D. It is administered to the patient one week after chemotherapy is administered.

31. A patient is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of neutropenia. Which

intervention(s) will the nurse include in planning care for this patient? 

Select all answers that apply.

A. Ensure patient is placed in a private room.

B. Monitor white blood cell count daily as prescribed.

C. Eliminate all fruits and vegetables from the patient’s diet.

D. Apply pressure to venipuncture sites for 10 minutes or longer.

E. Perform frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and water.

32. A patient undergoing treatment for cancer develops a low red blood cell count.

Which intervention is most helpful in reducing the patient’s fatigue?

A. Encouraging periods of rest between activities.

B. Recommending an increase in carbohydrate food choices.

C. Advising the patient to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night.

D. Having the patient add exercise periods in intervals throughout the day.

33. A nurse reviews the lab results on a patient with cancer who is undergoing

chemotherapy and notes the patient’s platelet count is 39,000/mm3. Which

intervention(s) does the nurse implement when caring for this patient?

Select all answers that apply.

A. Inspect all stools for blood.

B. Avoid the administration of injections.

C. Remove all living plants and fresh flowers from the room.

D. Provide the patient with an electric razor for shaving.

E. Place the patient on a low-microbial diet that excludes raw vegetables and raw fruits.

34. The nurse determines that if the cancer patient whose

laboratory results indicate neutropenia makes which statement(s)?

Select all answers that apply.

A. “I’ll make sure to bathe at least weekly.”

B. “My husband will have to take over cleaning the bird cage.”

C. “Petting my dog is fine as long as I wash my hands after doing so.”

D. “I will include plenty of raw fresh fruits and vegetables in my diet.”

35. A patient with cancer is receiving chemotherapy and develops anemia. Which

intervention is a priority in the nursing plan of care?

A. Monitor the patient for bleeding.

B. Monitor the patient’s temperature.

C. Monitor the patient for stomatitis.

D. Monitor the patient’s energy level.

E. Check the patient’s mouth for sores.

36. The nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a patient and notes the patient’s

platelet count is 32,000/mm3. On the basis of this laboratory value, the nurse should

perform which intervention(s)? 

Select all answers that apply.

A. Avoid injections.

B. Use a soft toothbrush.

C. Monitor stools for blood.

D. Floss teeth after every meal and at bedtime.

E. Avoid people who have colds, infections, or feel ill.

37. The nurse is assisting with creating a plan of care for a patient with pancytopenia as a

result of chemotherapy. The nurse suggests including which intervention(s) in the

plan of care? 

Select all answers that apply.

A. Restricting all visitors.

B. Restricting fluid intake.

C. Eliminating all fruits and vegetables in the diet.

D. Monitor and notify the oncologist for any signs of infection.

E. Avoid nonprescription over-the-counter (OTC) medications that affect platelet function.

38. The nurse is planning care for a patient with lung cancer. Lab values indicate the

patient is neutropenic. Which instruction(s) are essential?

Select all answers that apply.

A. Instruct the patient to bathe daily.

B. Instruct the patient to avoid crowded places.

C. Instruct the patient to avoid fresh flowers and living plants.

D. Instruct the patient to avoid animal care that includes urine and feces elimination.

E. Instruct the patient to avoid sharing personal items, such as eating utensils or a bath towel, with anyone.

39. A medication given to help prevent chemotherapy-induced neutropenia is

A. palonosetron/Aloxi.

B. nystatin/Mycostatin.

C. methotrexate/Trexall.

D. anastrozole/Arimidex.

E. pegfilgrastim/Neulasta.

40. The nurse is assisting in caring for a patient with a diagnosis of cervical cancer who

recently received chemotherapy. The nurse receives a telephone call from the

laboratory who reports that the patient’s platelet count is 34,000/mm3. Based on this

laboratory value, the nurse revises the plan of care and includes which

intervention(s)? 

Select all answers that apply.

A. Administer no intramuscular injections.

B. Monitor for signs of infection in the patient.

C. Monitor skin for the presence of petechiae and ecchymoses.

D. Instruct the patient not to handle garden flowers, plants, or earth.

E. Instruct the patient not to eat any uncooked fresh fruits or vegetables.

41. The patient has just received a dose of chemotherapy that has the potential to cause

nausea and vomiting. Nursing interventions for this include:

Select all answers that apply.

A. providing liquids with meals.

B. avoiding foods with strong odors.

C. providing complex carbohydrates in small, frequent amounts.

D. administering antiemetic medications once the patient has vomited.

E. administering antiemetic medications around-the-clock as prescribed for the entire time of the emetic risk.

42. A patient has been receiving chemotherapy to treat cancer. Which data collection

finding suggests that the patient has developed stomatitis?

A. frequent emesis

B. blood-tinged sputum

C. white patches on the tongue

D. red, open sores on the oral mucosa

43. The nurse is providing care to a patient who has developed stomatitis after having

chemotherapy. The nurse should plan which measure to treat this complication?

A. Rinse the mouth with lukewarm water after meals.

B. Brush the teeth and use dental floss at least twice a day.

C. Use lemon and glycerin swabs liberally on painful oral lesions.

D. Place the patient on nothing-by-mouth (NPO) status for 12 hours, and then resume liquids.

44. A patient has developed stomatitis during chemotherapy treatment. The patient is

encouraged to:

A. increase his intake of hot beverages.

B. drink plenty of fluids, especially orange juice.

C. use a barrier gel protectant prior to meals to coat the mucosa.

D. rinse his mouth at least four times a day with a commercial mouthwash.

45. A patient whose cancer is being treated with chemotherapy has developed stomatitis.

The licensed practical nurse reinforces instruction to the patient about measures to

relieve their mouth discomfort. Which statement(s) by the patient indicates

?

Select all answers that apply.

A. “I will avoid salty foods.”

B. “I will use a soft toothbrush.”

C. “I will eat acidic foods and acidic drinks.”

D. “I will choose foods that require little or no chewing.”

E. “I will brush my teeth vigorously several times a day to help keep my

mouth clean.”

46. Which food selection(s) would be good choices for a cancer patient with

stomatitis?

Select all answers that apply.

A. Yogurt

B. Tomato soup

C. Orange juice

D. Cottage cheese

E. Mashed potatoes

F. Peanut butter sandwich

47. A patient receiving chemotherapy reports mouth and throat pain. While inspecting

the mouth and throat, the nurse suspects a fungal yeast infection (Candida/thrush) has

developed when they notice

A. red, open sores on the oral mucosa.

B. white patches on the mucous membranes.

C. frequent episodes of nausea and vomiting.

48. An adult oncology patient is prescribed nystatin/Mycostatin to treat a fungal yeast

infection in their mouth. The nurse instructs the patient in the correct administration

of nystatin/Mycostatin by instructing the patient to

A. swallow the medication with a cup of water.

B. swish the medication around in their mouth and then spit it out.

C. swish the medication around in their mouth for several minutes, gargle with it,

and then swallow it.

49. A patient develops stomatitis after receiving chemotherapy for the treatment of colon

cancer. Which of the following foods and oral hygiene products should the nurse

remind the patient to avoid?

Select all answers that apply.

A. Tomato soup

B. Mashed potatoes

C. Peanut butter sandwich

D. Mouthwashes containing alcohol

E. Lemon and glycerin swabs for oral hygiene

50. The nurse reviews the care plan of a patient with cancer undergoing chemotherapy.

The nurse notes that the patient has concerns about her appearance as a result of

alopecia. The nurse determines the teaching has been effective if the patient makes

which statement(s) about hair loss resulting from the administration of

chemotherapy?

Select all answers that apply.

A. “Hair loss is usually permanent.”

B. “Regrown hair may have a different color and texture.”

C. “Facial hair and body hair are usually affected in addition to hair on the head.”

D. “Hair loss usually occurs the day after receiving the first chemotherapy

treatment.”