The family practice clinic nurse is conducting client intake histories. Which client findings or histories indicate a need for heightened concern that the client may have cancer? Select all that apply.

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Unintentional weight loss of >10% of usual weight (in non-obese clients) requires evaluation and could indicate underlying cancer. Nausea, anorexia, and dysgeusia (altered taste sensation) are also clinical features of cancer and contribute to weight loss (Option D). The warning signs of cancer can be remembered with the acronym CAUTION: Change in bowel or bladder habitsA sore that does not healUnusual bleeding or discharge from a body orificeThickening or a lump in the breast or elsewhereIndigestion or difficulty in swallowingObvious change in a wart or moleNagging cough or hoarseness (Option C) Change in bowel or bladder habits A sore that does not heal Unusual bleeding or discharge from a body orifice Thickening or a lump in the breast or elsewhere Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing Obvious change in a wart or mole Nagging cough or hoarseness (Option C) Although 99% of breast cancers are found in women, men can also develop breast cancer, especially if risk factors, such as past chest radiation, are present. Later signs of breast cancer include a newly retracted nipple or an orange-peel appearance of the breast tissue (peau d'orange) caused by the plugging of dermal lymph drainage (Option E). breast cancer (Option A) BPH is caused by hormonal changes related to aging. Growth is not related to cancer. (Option B) Lipomas are benign, fatty masses and rarely become malignant. They are subcutaneous, have a soft doughy feel, and are mobile and asymptomatic. Masses that are hard and fixed, not soft and mobile, usually indicate malignancy. Lipomas Educational objective: Signs of potential cancer include unplanned weight loss, nagging cough/hoarseness, and dimpled skin (orange peel) on the breast. Hard, fixed masses, non-healing ulcers, and changing moles may also indicate malignancy and require further workup.

The Family Practice Clinic Nurse Is Conducting Client Intake Histories