Hematologic System NCLEX Questions
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Question 1 of 5.
The client diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia receives a bone marrow transplant. Which medication to prevent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) should the nurse plan to administer?
A. A cephalosporin antibiotic, such as ceftazidime
B. An immunosuppressant, such as cyclosporine
C. A chemotherapeutic agent, such as cisplatin
D. Peginterferon alfa-2a for prevention and treatment of hepatitis
Explanation: A. Antibiotics such as ceftazidime (Fortaz) are administered to prevent infection. B. GVHD occurs when the T lymphocytes proliferate from the transplanted donor marrow and mount an immune response against the recipient's tissues. An immunosuppressant such as cyclosporine (Neoral) prevents the immune response. C. Cisplatin (Platinol AQ) is administered mainly to treat metastatic testicular, ovarian, and cervical carcinoma; advanced bladder cancer; and head and neck cancer. D. Interferons such as peginterferon alfa-2a (Pegasys) have antiviral activity, which decrease the progression of hepatic damage associated with hepatitis A and B. This would only be administered if the transplanted cells transmitted the disease. The biological agent interferon is used to treat follicular low-grade lymphomas.
Question 2 of 5.
The client diagnosed with leukemia is scheduled for bone marrow transplantation. Which interventions should be implemented to prepare the client for this procedure? Select all that apply.
A. Administer high-dose chemotherapy.
B. Teach the client about autologous transfusions.
C. Have the family members' HLA typed.
D. Monitor the complete blood cell count daily.
E. Provide central line care per protocol.
Explanation: High-dose chemotherapy (A) ablates marrow, HLA typing (C) identifies donors, CBC monitoring (D) tracks counts, and central line care (E) prevents infection. Autologous transfusions (B) are irrelevant (donor marrow used).
Question 3 of 5.
The nurse and the licensed practical nurse (LPN) are caring for clients on an oncology floor. Which client should not be assigned to the LPN?
A. The client newly diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
B. The client who is four (4) hours postprocedure bone marrow biopsy.
C. The client who received two (2) units of (PRBCs) on the previous shift.
D. The client who is receiving multiple intravenous piggyback medications.
Explanation: IV piggyback medications (D) require complex assessment (e.g., chemotherapy), beyond LPN scope. New diagnosis (A), post-biopsy (B), and post-transfusion (C) are stable for LPN care.
Question 4 of 5.
Which client is at highest risk for developing a lymphoma?
A. The client diagnosed with chronic lung disease who is taking a steroid.
B. The client diagnosed with breast cancer who has extensive lymph involvement.
C. The client who received a kidney transplant several years ago.
D. The client who has had ureteral stent placements for a neurogenic bladder.
Explanation: Immunosuppression post-transplant (C) increases lymphoma risk (e.g., PTLD). Steroids (A) are lower risk, breast cancer (B) involves metastasis, and stents (D) are unrelated.
Question 5 of 5.
Which clinical manifestation of Stage I non-Hodgkin's lymphoma would the nurse expect to find when assessing the client?
A. Enlarged lymph tissue anywhere in the body.
B. Tender left upper quadrant.
C. No symptom in this stage.
D. Elevated B-cell lymphocytes on the CBC.
Explanation: Stage I NHL is often asymptomatic (C), with localized node involvement. Enlarged nodes (A) are later, LUQ tenderness (B) suggests spleen, and B-cell elevation (D) is lab-based, not clinical.