Question

When caring for a patient with metastatic cancer, the nurse notes a hemoglobin level of 8.7 g/dL and hematocrit of 26%. What associated clinical manifestations does the nurse anticipate observing?

A. Thirst
B. Fatigue
C. Headache
D. Abdominal pain

Answer 1

When caring for a patient with metastatic cancer and low hemoglobin levels, the nurse can anticipate observing thirst, fatigue, and headache.

Step-by-step explanation:

When caring for a patient with metastatic cancer and noting a hemoglobin level of 8.7 g/dL and hematocrit of 26%, the nurse can anticipate observing certain associated clinical manifestations. These may include:

• Thirst: A low hemoglobin level can result in dehydration, leading to increased thirst.
• Fatigue: Anemia, which can be caused by low hemoglobin levels, often leads to fatigue and weakness.
• Headache: In some cases, inadequate oxygen delivery to the brain due to low hemoglobin levels can cause headaches.

Based on these findings, the nurse should closely monitor the patient's hydration status, provide patient education on managing fatigue, and assess for symptoms of hypoxia such as headache.