ATI LPN
Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition
Chapter 18 : Caring for Clients With Cancer Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse performs a breast exam on a client and finds a firm, non-moveable lump in the upper outer quadrant of the right breast that the client reports was not there 3 weeks ago. What does this finding suggest?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A fast-growing lump is suggestive of a malignant tumor. Metastasis can only be determined by cytology, not by palpation.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client with the diagnosis of colon cancer with metastasis to the liver. Which statement made by the client indicates an understanding of the diagnosis?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The client stating the cancer has spread to the liver shows that the client has an understanding the primary cancer of the colon with spread to the liver. The client's expectation of being 'fine' and 'happy' once the tumor is removed shows a lack of understanding that metastases are not always resectable. The client mentioning having cancer twice is incorrect because it demonstrates a misunderstanding of metastasis.
Question 3 of 5
While completing an admission assessment, the client reports a family history of breast cancer among a maternal grandmother, aunt, and sister. The nurse knows that these cancers are most likely associated with what etiology?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Tumor suppressor genes assist the body in normal cell production and death.
Tobacco use and chemical carcinogens can contribute to the development of cancer, but there is not enough information provided to suggest a common link. Oncogenes are genes that have mutated and activate out-of-control cell growth. Inherited gene mutation occurs when the DNA is passed to the next generation.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is invited to present a teaching program to parents of school-age children. Which topic would be of greatest value for decreasing cancer risks?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Pool and water safety as well as infection prevention are important teaching topics but will not decrease cancer risk. While performing breast and testicular self-exams may identify cancers in the early stage, this teaching is not usually initiated in school-age children. Severe sunburns that occur in young children can place the child at risk for skin cancers later in life. Because children spend much time out of doors, the use of sunscreen and protective clothing/hats can protect the skin and decrease the risk.
Question 5 of 5
A client with a 4-cm breast mass is scheduled for biopsy with frozen section followed by lumpectomy and possible mastectomy. The client asks the nurse, 'Why can't the doctor tell me specifically whether I will need to have my entire breast removed'? Which is the best response from the nurse?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Although experienced surgeons can often predict the type of tumor upon opening, seeing the tumor does not determine presence or absence of cancer cells. The client may be anxious about upcoming surgery, but this response does not address the question posed by the client. Trusting the surgeon is important, but this response is not appropriate for the question asked. A frozen section during surgery allows the pathologist to quickly examine the tissue under microscope allowing the surgeon to make a decision for best surgical approach.