The nurse receives change-of-shift report on the oncology unit. Which patient should the nurse assess first?

a. 35-year-old patient who has wet desquamation associated with abdominal radiation
b. 42-year-old patient who is sobbing after receiving a new diagnosis of ovarian cancer
c. 24-year-old patient who received neck radiation and has blood oozing from the neck
d. 56-year-old patient who developed a new pericardial friction rub after chest radiation


ANS: C
Because neck bleeding may indicate possible carotid artery rupture in a patient who is receiving radiation to the neck, this patient should be seen first. The diagnoses and clinical manifestations for the other patients are not immediately life threatening.

Nursing

You might also like to view...

The nurse teaches the client who recently had hiatal hernia diagnosed. To keep the patient free from pain, what should the nurse recommend?

A) Increased fiber intake B) Taking a nap after each meal C) Ensuring not to skip meals D) Remain upright for 1 hour after eating

Nursing

A patient with multiple trauma is brought to the emergency department by ambulance after a fall while rock climbing. What is the responsibility of the nursing staff in this patient's care?

A) Documenting patient's verbalizations B) Notifying family members C) Ensuring airway and IV access D) Sending specimens to the laboratory

Nursing

The nurse is providing a presentation on menstrual disorders. Which statement is the most accurate regarding the cause of secondary amenorrhea?

A) "It is caused from taking birth control pills when a girl is younger than 13 years old." B) "This disorder is usually seen after a girl has had a spontaneous abortion." C) "Emotional stress can be a cause of this disorder." D) "This is what happens if a 16-year-old girl has never had any periods at all."

Nursing

An anorexic client states to a nurse, "My father has recently moved back to town." Since that time the client has experienced insomnia, nightmares, and panic attacks that occur nightly

She has never married or dated and lives alone. What should the nurse suspect? A. Possible major depressive disorder B. Possible history of childhood incest C. Possible histrionic personality disorder D. Possible history of childhood bulimia

Nursing