What is most descriptive of the pathophysiology of leukemia?
a. Increased blood viscosity occurs.
b. Thrombocytopenia (excessive destruction of platelets) occurs.
c. Unrestricted proliferation of immature white blood cells (WBCs) occurs.
d. The first stage of the coagulation process is abnormally stimulated.
ANS: C
Leukemia is a group of malignant disorders of the bone marrow and the lymphatic system. It is defined as an unrestricted proliferation of immature WBCs in the blood-forming tissues of the body. Increased blood viscosity may occur secondary to the increased number of WBCs. Thrombocytopenia may occur secondary to the overproduction of WBCs in the bone marrow. The coagulation process is unaffected by leukemia.
You might also like to view...
A 15-year-old patient returns to the pediatric unit following a lumbar puncture. What initial position will the nurse maintain for this patient?
a. Left side-lying b. Supine c. Prone d. Semi-Fowler's
A patient diagnosed with macular degeneration asks the nurse to explain his condition. Which statement by the nurse best describes macular degeneration?
a. "The portion of your eye called the macula, which is responsible for central vision, is damaged." b. "Your lens became cloudy, causing your blurred vision. This cloudiness will increase over time." c. "The pressure in the anterior cavity of your eye became elevated, shifting the position of your lens." d. "There's an irregular curvature of your cornea, causing your blurred vision."
When admitting a patient who has recently become confused, the nurse asks the family for a list of all the medications that the patient is currently taking. She is aware that the medica-tion that could be causing confusion is:
1. amoxicillin. 2. acetaminophen. 3. furosemide. 4. digoxin.
The specially prepared nurse administering chemotherapeutic drugs should
a. administer intravenous medications only through VADs. b. apply ice to the area after an intramuscular injection of chemotherapy. c. wear a mask during administration of the agent. d. wear gloves and a gown during preparation and administration of the drugs.