[Verified Answer]: CASE STUDY PROGRESS R.T.’s surgical course…

CASE STUDY PROGRESS R.T.’s surgical course is uneventful, and he is discharged after 5 days. Based on the final pathology report, his cancer is designated stage IIIB. The cancer had spread to the muscle layer of the colon wall with 9 lymph nodes being positive. Four weeks after surgery, R.T. is scheduled to begin 6 months of adjuvant chemotherapy. 10. Current chemotherapy protocols include varying doses of fluorouracil and leucovorin alone or in combination with oxaliplatin or irinotecan. The purpose of leucovorin is to: a. Rescue healthy cells from the toxic effects of methotrexate b. Improve R.T.’s nutritional status by supplementing vitamin intake c. Reduce the incidence of renal failure associated with methotrexate d. Help the methotrexate be more effective by inhibiting cancer cell mitosis 11. Discuss the major toxicities and side effects associated with fluorouracil and leucovorin. 12. When prioritizing R.T.’s plan of care, which effects are the most serious? 13. When R.T.’s white blood cell count begins to drop, which is the most important means to teach him to protect himself from infection? a. Brushing and flossing his teeth after meals and before bed b. Having someone else clean the litterbox of all household pets c. Staying away from people who are visibly sick or have a cold d. Washing his hands often, especially after using the restroom and before eating 14. Develop a teaching plan for R.T. focusing on the common effects of diarrhea and nausea and vomiting. 15. What would you teach R.T. to do to help manage fatigue? Select all that apply. a. Accept assistance as needed. b. Limit the number of daily visitors. c. Avoid napping throughout the day. d. Encourage exercise to maintain his strength. e. Plan activities for periods when he has the most energy. f. Encourage him to do activities in small amounts and rest between activities. 16. R.T. shows he understands the adverse effects of methotrexate when he says: a. “I should take ibuprofen if I have a mild headache or joint pain.” b. “If I develop a bad rash, there is no need to worry. This is normal.” c. “Coffee and black tea are good choices to help me maintain my fluid intake.” d. “If I have any chills or unusual pain, I need to let my doctor know immediately.”