Cancers

When teaching a client about the signs of colorectal cancer, Nurse Divinity stresses that the most common complaint of persons with colorectal cancer is:

• Abdominal pain

• Hemorrhoids

• Change in caliber of stools

• Change in bowel habits

A Black client is admitted with acute leukemia. The nurse is assessing for signs and symptoms of bleeding. Where is the best site for examining for the presence of petechiae?

• The abdomen

• The thorax

• The earlobes

• The soles of the feet

Which diet is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer?

• Low protein, complex carbohydrates

• High protein, simple carbohydrates

• High fat, refined carbohydrates

• Low carbohydrates, complex proteins

Francis with leukemia has neutropenia. Which of the following functions must frequently assessed?

• Blood pressure

• Bowel sounds

• Heart sounds

• Breath sounds

Answer explanation

D. Breath sounds . Pneumonia, both viral and fungal, is a common cause of death in clients with neutropenia, so frequent assessment of respiratory rate and breath sounds is required. Although assessing blood pressure, bowel sounds, and heart sounds is important, it won’t help detect pneumonia.

Nurse Nadia, who is assigned to the emergency department, evaluates a patient who underwent fiberoptic colonoscopy 18 hours previously. The patient reports increasing abdominal pain, fever, and chills. Which of the following conditions poses the most immediate concern?

• Bowel perforation.

• Viral gastroenteritis.

• Colon cancer.

• Diverticulitis.

The laboratory results of the client with leukemia indicate bone marrow depression. The nurse should encourage the client to:

• Increase his activity level and ambulate frequently

• Sleep with the head of his bed slightly elevated

• Drink citrus juices frequently for nourishment

• Use a soft toothbrush and electric razor

Answer explanation

D. Use a soft toothbrush and electric razor . Suppression of red bone marrow increases bleeding susceptibility associated with thrombocytopenia, decreased platelets. Anemia and leucopenia are the two other problems noted with bone marrow depression.

4) A patient received surgery and chemotherapy for colon cancer, completing therapy 3 months previously, and she is now in remission. At a follow-up appointment, she complains of fatigue following activity and difficulty with concentration at her weekly bridge games. Which of the following explanations could account for her symptoms?

• The symptoms may be the result of anemia caused by chemotherapy.

• The patient may be immunosuppressed.

• The patient may be depressed.

• The patient may be dehydrated.

A 22-year-old man is admitted to the hospital with complaints of fatigue and weight loss. Physical examination reveals pallor and multiple bruises on his arms and legs. The results of the patients tests reveal acute lymphocytic leukemia and thrombocytopenia. Which of the following nursing diagnoses MOST accurately reflects his condition?

• Potential for injury.

• Self-care deficit

• Potential for self-harm.

• Alteration in comfort.

Which of the following characteristics are risk factors for colorectal cancer?

• Familial polyposis

• Age younger than 40

• Low fat, low protein, high fiber diet

• History of skin cancer

The treatment protocol for a client with acute lymphatic leukemia includes prednisone, methotrexate, and cimetadine. The purpose of the cimetadine is to:

• Decrease the secretion of pancreatic enzymes

• Enhance the effectiveness of methotrexate

• Promote peristalsis

• Prevent a common side effect of prednisone