Leukemia
Leukemia ( 15 Questions)
The patient reports experiencing fever, chills, night sweats, and recurrent infections.
Which of the following statements made by the nurse is appropriate in this situation?
"These symptoms are common in leukemia, and we will monitor your condition closely." Rationale: This is the appropriate response by the nurse. Fever, chills, night sweats, and recurrent infections are common symptoms in patients with leukemia due to the weakened immune system caused by the abnormal white blood cells. The nurse acknowledges the patient's concerns and provides reassurance that their symptoms are related to leukemia while also emphasizing the importance of monitoring and managing the condition.
"You must have caught a cold; these symptoms are not related to leukemia." Rationale: This response is incorrect because it dismisses the patient's symptoms and attributes them to a common cold. It's essential for the nurse to consider leukemia-related symptoms seriously and not downplay them, as timely intervention and management are crucial.
"I think you might be exaggerating your symptoms; leukemia doesn't cause these issues." Rationale: This response is inappropriate as it questions the patient's credibility and dismisses their concerns. Leukemia can indeed cause the reported symptoms due to its impact on the immune system and blood cell production. Empathy and support are important when caring for leukemia patients.
"Leukemia only causes bleeding problems, not infections." Rationale: This response is incorrect as it provides inaccurate information. While bleeding problems can occur in some types of leukemia, such as acute promyelocytic leukemia, leukemia can also lead to a weakened immune system and increased susceptibility to infections. The nurse should provide accurate information and address the patient's concerns appropriately.
Choice A rationale:
"These symptoms are common in leukemia, and we will monitor your condition closely." Rationale: This is the appropriate response by the nurse.
Fever, chills, night sweats, and recurrent infections are common symptoms in patients with leukemia due to the weakened immune system caused by the abnormal white blood cells.
The nurse acknowledges the patient's concerns and provides reassurance that their symptoms are related to leukemia while also emphasizing the importance of monitoring and managing the condition.
Choice B rationale:
"You must have caught a cold; these symptoms are not related to leukemia." Rationale: This response is incorrect because it dismisses the patient's symptoms and attributes them to a common cold.
It's essential for the nurse to consider leukemia-related symptoms seriously and not downplay them, as timely intervention and management are crucial.
Choice C rationale:
"I think you might be exaggerating your symptoms; leukemia doesn't cause these issues." Rationale: This response is inappropriate as it questions the patient's credibility and dismisses their concerns.
Leukemia can indeed cause the reported symptoms due to its impact on the immune system and blood cell production.
Empathy and support are important when caring for leukemia patients.
Choice D rationale:
"Leukemia only causes bleeding problems, not infections." Rationale: This response is incorrect as it provides inaccurate information.
While bleeding problems can occur in some types of leukemia, such as acute promyelocytic leukemia, leukemia can also lead to a weakened immune system and increased susceptibility to infections.
The nurse should provide accurate information and address the patient's concerns appropriately.